§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much subsidy was paid to operators in the(a) aviation and (b) rail industries from public funds in each of the last five years. [84751]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe UK aviation industry normally operates free of Government subsidy. Assistance totalling some £39.7 million was paid to eleven UK airlines during winter 2001–02. In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 the UK introduced a scheme of up to £40 million in financial assistance to UK airlines affected by closure of US and other airspace
The Scottish Executive pays a grant to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd. (RIAL) which ensures the continuation of operations at the company's 10 airports. The Executive also pays a subsidy for lifeline air services on which Public Service Obligations have been imposed under EC Regulations.
Payments are as follows:
Year HIAL payments (£ million) Lifeline air services payments (£) 2001–02 19.45 986,200 2000–01 15.142 1,003,402 1999–2000 12.291 526,579 1998–99 6.179 533,871 1997–98 7 346,465 Subsidies to operators in the rail industry comprise Support for Passenger Rail Services, paid by the Strategic Rail authority to train operating companies 802W (TOCs), and grants paid by passenger Transport Executives to Train Operating Companies which provide services in their areas. Payments are as follows:
Year Subsidy (£ million) 2001–02 1,721 2000–01 1,130 1999–2000 1,343 1998–99 1,533 1997–98 1,804