Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, for what reason the contract for the Meteorological Office Civil Contingency Aircraft is not being renewed; and what alternative arrangements his Department is making to (a) assess the risk and (b) mitigate the potential effect of future volcanic eruptions on the economy; and if he will make a statement.

Due to the significant reduction in flying associated with Covid-19, the Met Office will not receive the expected funding for its aviation services through the airline charging mechanism and, in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), is reviewing and prioritising the aviation services it provides. Several options were considered in consultation with CAA and it was decided to not renew the current contract for the Met Office Civil Contingency Aircraft.

Since the UK was last affected by volcanic ash in 2010, a number of significant improvements have been made in ash monitoring and modelling, which will help to improve forecasting in any future eruption scenario. This includes investment by the Government in a UK-wide LIDAR network, providing the capability to detect ash from the ground, and in improved satellite data on ash-cloud and particulate matter. In addition, the Met Office is exploring options for an interim standby aircraft with other European institutions and work has begun on options for a longer-term replacement airborne volcanic ash monitoring capability.

The Met Office works very closely with the Icelandic Meteorological Office to monitor and assess the risk from volcanic activity. All volcanoes in Iceland are currently at colour state green, which means that activity is at normal levels.