§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in assessing the market potential of short takeoff and landing and vertical take-off and landing projects, he will assess the cost per year of non-productive flying due to air traffic congestion, the loss of earnings due to non-effective flying hours and the time and money lost through surface traffic congestion beween airports and city centres; and if he has any estimate of the extent of this hidden cost.
§ Mr. OnslowThe time and cost of travel between airports and city centres are allowed for in assessing alternative air transport systems, but it has so far proved difficult to quantify the extent and cost of future air traffic congestion. This and other relevant factors continue to be studied by my Department with the co-operation of industry, airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority, for short-haul air travel. No specific cost figures are at present available.
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he is taking to ensure that all the interests concerned in the development, marketing and use of short take-off and landing/vertical take-off and landing projects are consulted before producing a national programme for planned short take-off and landing/vertical take-off and landing development.
§ Mr. OnslowFor several years now my Department has had both formal and informal consultations with those directly concerned with development, marketing and use of short and vertical take-off and landing aircraft, including industry, airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority.