§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (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 Wales; and if he will make a statement; [76989]
(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. [76990]
874W
§ Mr. HainWork is currently under way on an air services study for Wales, in line with the commitment given in the White Paper, "A New Deal For Transport", and the Welsh transport policy statement "Transporting Wales into the Future". The study, which is focusing on the scope for new and enhanced services as well as the role of airports in economic development, is expected to be completed in the summer. I have no plans to initiate or approve developments relating to airports before that time, although I am continuing to consider improved surface access to Cardiff International Airport.
It will be for the National Assembly, in collaboration with the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, to decide how to take forward the findings of the study in the context of the national airports policy which is being developed.