§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what criteria he applies in determining which air routes to designate as public service obligation routes;
(2) what financial support he offers to public service obligation air routes;
(3) which air routes he has designated as public service obligation routes.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonCentral Government support for air services is considered only where the services cross regional or islands council boundaries; cross water; are essential to the life of a remote community; and where there is no prospect of services becoming commercially viable.
EU regulation 2408/92 requires public service obligations to be imposed on air services supported by public funds. A PSO has been imposed on the air service between Glasgow, Tiree and Barra. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State provides financial support of £115,000 per annum for the service.