HC Deb 09 January 1985 vol 70 cc461-2W
Mr. Thurnham

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has on the numbers c passengers whose journeys originate or have the destinations at Britain's regional airports choosing t interconnect through European gateways in preference t London.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Such information can be obtained from origin and destination surveys conducted by the Civil Aviation authority, as follows:

  • 1983—routes from Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands and Liverpool.
  • 1982 — routes from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Prestwick and Aberdeen.
  • 1975–76—routes from other major regional airports.

The information cannot be simply summarised, but details can be provided by the CAA for specific routes or route groupings. For instance, in 1983, about a quarter of passengers from Manchester airport interlining on scheduled routes chose to connect at European airports and about three quarters at London airports.

Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether, as a result of his statement on 20 December, he expects any changes in the arrangements or timing of the sale of the Civil Aviation Authority airports in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Mr. Michael Spicer

No, it is not essential that clause 5 of the Civil Aviation Bill is enacted before any of the aerodromes are sold.