MPs on the Transport Committee had expressed fears of a greater risk of accidents as control staff are under extra pressure because of the delay in opening a new £339m control centre.

Ministers want the inquiry to focus on the computer software problems that have delayed the opening of the centre at Swanwick in Hampshire.

Air traffic contollers could have a stake in a privatised service

It will also look at the pressure which controllers are under at the existing centre at West Drayton in Middlesex, which will eventually be replaced by Swanwick.

As the government announced the inquiry, it insisted that the West Drayton centre could cope with demand. There is "no additional risk to the travelling public arising from the delay to the new centre", it said.

The Transport Committee report called for an independent audit of the West Drayton-Swanwick position.

Bid to allay public fears

Members also questioned whether a new software system should be installed at Swanwick and whether demand for future air traffic growth had been underestimated.

In its response, the government said more air traffic should not affect the safety of aircraft but that an inquiry along the lines suggested by the committee was desirable "to allay any public concern over safety".

Less than two weeks ago, the government announced it planned to partly privatise National Air Traffic Services, which runs air traffic control.

The plan involves private investors, including NATS employees, taking a 51% stake in the service, with the government holding 49% and a 'golden share'.