§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy in respect of deregulation of landing charges at regional airports. [11181]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonLanding charges at all larger airports in Great Britain are subject to regulation by the Civil Aviation Authority under the Airports Act 1986. The Department of Trade and Industry is now reviewing the 209W system of regulation of utilities, and this may produce conclusions of relevance to future policy on regulation of airports.
§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to increase the proportion of international flights to and from English regional, Scottish and Welsh airports in comparison with London airports. [11176]
§ Ms JacksonWhere flights operate it is normally determined by the commercial decisions of airlines. The majority of the UK's bilateral air services agreements permit carriers to serve all points in the United Kingdom. Where there are restrictions, we seek to remove them so that all airports can compete fairly for traffic.