§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he next plans to meet the First Secretary to discuss the role of Hawarden Airport, Deeside, in the future economic development of North East Wales. [106699]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI have regular meetings with the First Secretary to discuss a wide range of issues including transport and its impact on the future economic development of Wales. This includes the non-devolved subject of airports, a matter reserved to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. The First Secretary has not requested a meeting to specifically discuss Hawarden Airport, but transport is an issue considered in the Assembly's economic development plans. The Welsh Regional Air Services study, which concludes this month, will investigate possible enhanced services such as linking North and South Wales, and the link between air services, economic growth and regeneration.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met the First Secretary to discuss the impact of the Government's legislative programme on road, rail and air transport, in the constituency of(a) Alyn and Deeside and (b) North East Wales; and if he will make a statement. [106703]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI have regular meetings with the First Secretary to discuss a wide range of issues including transport and its impact in Wales, which will of course bring benefits to Alyn and Deeside and North East Wales generally.
On 30 November I spoke to the whole of the National Assembly for Wales about the Government's legislative programme and my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State addressed members' questions in a second plenary session on 8 December. I am keen to ensure that the interests of Wales are fully met during the passage of the Transport Bill, and will maintain dialogue with Cabinet colleagues and the Assembly.