§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what measures the Government will put in place to ensure that the proposed regulation establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights is proportionate and workable; and if he will make a statement; [133568]
(2) if he will publish a regulatory impact assessment in respect of the proposed EU regulation establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights. [133569]
§ Mr. McNultyThe UK is supportive of the basic aim of this regulation, which is to protect passengers who are denied boarding or are the victims of commercial cancellations. However, we also believe a balance should be struck between the rights of passengers and the additional costs to airlines, which may ultimately be passed through to the consumer. Accordingly, we have been working hard to improve the original text, to try to make it more balanced and workable. Once the regulation comes into force it will be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in member states, who will be required to designate a body responsible for it enforcement and ensure that sanctions laid down for infringements are effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
477WWhen the text of the regulation has been finalised we will be in a position to complete cur Regulatory Impact Assessment, which will appear on the Department for Transport website in due course.