§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what weight he will give to public opinion as expressed during the consultation process on the future of Highlands and Islands Airport Ltd; [30449]
(2) what plans he has to publish the views of all those consulted on the future arrangements for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd. [30450]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonConsultants are being appointed to carry out the study of options for the involvement of the private sector in Highlands and Islands Airports. As part of their work the consultants will need to consult interested parties; but the primary purpose of their work is not to conduct a consultation process. I am sure that views expressed by them will take into account in preparing their report; but there is no presumption that the report will include a full statement of all views expressed to them. No decision has yet been taken on whether or not to publish material arising out of the study.