§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) 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 Scotland; and if he will make a statement; [76987]
(2) 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. [76988]
§ Mr. MacdonaldThe Scottish Airports and Air Services Study was commissioned in November 1998 by The Scottish Office and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. The Study is being undertaken by Environmental Resources Management. An extensive consultation exercise is under way and a Reference Group has been established to provide a forum for particularly interested parties to contribute. Seminars are being held in Edinburgh (29 March) and Inverness (30 March) to widen debate.
784WThe Study is intended to inform policy on meeting future demand for sustainable air travel and to consider the economics and costs of providing improve airport facilities. The consultants will report in July 1999.
My right hon. Friend has no plans, however, to initiate airport development and has received no approaches to approve such developments at the major airports in central Scotland. Developments at airports operated by the Government owned company, Highlands & Islands Airports Limited, will take place as required to meet operational needs.
From 1 July 1999, development of airports will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.