§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has(a) to approve and (b) to initiate developments relating to airports before the completion of the economic impact studies covering airports and air services announced in "A New Deal for Transport"; and if he will make a statement. [76986]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonAirport development is promoted by developers through the normal planning process, though major schemes will usually be decided by the Secretary of State following a public inquiry. Airports projects for which planning applications have already been made, or are expected to be made shortly, will not be within the scope of the Regional Air Services studies, because it would cause duplication and delay if we were to study projects which are being considered in the land use planning system at the same time; the study will therefore examine a range of scenarios based on those projects either going ahead or not going ahead, and will concentrate on strategic medium and long term issues.
§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made on the study of the economic impact of regional airports and regional air services announced in "A New Deal for Transport"; when these studies will be completed in the(a) North of England, (b) Midlands and (c) South West; and if he will make a statement. [76985]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe studies of regional airports and air services in the North of England, Midlands and South West announced in the "A New Deal for Transport" White Paper have all now been commissioned and are expected to report in the summer. In line with our White Paper commitments, each study will include an examination of the link between air services, economic growth and regeneration in the regions concerned. In728W accordance with our integrated transport policy, the studies will also consider surface access to the airports concerned.