HC Deb 27 November 1997 vol 301 c625W
Mr. Stringer

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his policy towards the granting of transatlantic fifth freedom rights from regional airports in cases where the granting of such rights would contribute materially to the development of other long-haul services from that airport. [17782]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The Department takes many factors into account in preparing its strategy for air services negotiations, including the granting of transatlantic fifth freedom rights from regional airports.

Mr. Stringer

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment was undertaken of the wider benefits to the economy of north-west England of increased flights between Manchester and Pakistan with onward connections to the USA in connection with the recent negotiations between his Department and representatives of the Government of Pakistan; what criteria and methodology were used in the assessment of regional benefits; and if he will publish the study. [17772]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The CAA carried out an economic analysis on behalf of the Department before the recent negotiations with Pakistan. It was made available to all members of the UK delegation before the talks, including representatives of Manchester Airport, and taken into account when Ministers agreed the strategy for the negotiations. It is not our policy to publish such analyses, given their bearing on the UK negotiating position in air services negotiations.

Mr. Stringer

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if his Department will carry out a comprehensive study of industrial and tourism development benefits to regional economies of improved access to global air services. [17783]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The Government welcomes increased international services to regional airports. As the economic impact of a new air service is dependent on the characteristics of an individual route the Department considers it a more effective use of resources to ask the CAA to carry out a specific economic analysis before air services negotiations with bilateral partners.