Main aspects of the National Audit Office's Methodology

In undertaking this examination we:

■  Designed the examination using experience acquired on earlier studies of privatisations and Private Finance Initiative projects;

■  Took into account matters raised in our previous report and in evidence provided to the Committee of Public Accounts by NATS and the Department for Transport before, during and after the Committee's hearing on 18 November 2002.

■  Reviewed information from the Department's staff, advisers and records about their negotiations with other participants in the Refinancing process;

■  Met with NATS, the Partnership Directors and the Airline Group to understand how the PPP structure has performed in the difficult circumstances since September 11th, and how negotiations for refinancing were conducted; and

■  Met with senior regulatory officials of the Civil Aviation Authority and reviewed key decision documents on the reopening of NATS' charge controls.