§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she 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 she will make a statement. [76992]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyA number of developments have recently been initiated some by local airport authorities. Each application for planning permission will be considered on its merits and it is not possible to indicate in advance whether approval will be given. The Government have no role in initiating airport developments.
§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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 Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement. [76991]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyThe Northern Ireland Regional Air Services Study is already underway and is due to be completed by the end of the summer. The study findings should be published in September-October 1999.