§ Mr. StringerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment64W he has made of the wider benefits to the regional economy of granting transatlantic fifth freedom rights to selected far and middle east carriers in respect of United Kingdom regional airports. [13364]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonIt is normal practice for the Department to ask the CAA to carry out an economic analysis before air services negotiations. This covers a range of factors including, where appropriate, benefits to the regional economy, and is taken into account by the Department in its strategy for the negotiations.