§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what(a) groups and (b) organisations will be consulted during the south east-and east of England Regional Air Services Study. [97478]
§ Mr. MullinThe proposed Terms of Reference for the south-east and east of England Regional Air Services Study were published on 30 September 1999. Over 1,000 copies were distributed to interested individuals and organisations, all of whom were invited to comment. 250 have done so to date.
An external reference Group has been set up to provide validation of the approach adopted by the study team and a source of expertise on a wide range of issues. Membership of the Group includes, among others, representatives from the aviation industry, local government organisations, environmental groups and business interests. A full list of participants is available if required.
The south-east and east of England Regional Air Services Study is expected to take around two years to complete and will be followed by extensive public consultation on options arising from it.