HC Deb 20 July 2001 vol 372 c534W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received on her Department's commissioning of a report on slot auctioning from Dot Econ; and if she will make a statement. [5433]

Mr. Jamieson

The findings of the Dot Econ study were presented to representatives of UK airlines and airports on 15 March. Immediate feedback was given then, and written comments were requested by 12 April. A number of representations were received. The Government will take these into account in developing their response to the proposals for revision of the current European slot allocation regulations that were published by the European Commission on 20 June.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received from United Kingdom airlines on the proposed introduction of a monetised slot auctioning or transfer system. [5434]

Mr. Jamieson

My Department has met representatives of UK airlines on several occasions to discuss its declared intention to seek a new European slot allocation regulation that provides for the auctioning of new and pool slots and the legitimisation of trading between air carriers. Written representations have also been received.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will commission a report projecting the likely bidding behaviour of airlines based on consultation with United Kingdom and overseas carriers and assessing the benefits for consumers of an auctioning system. [5394]

Mr. Jamieson

I have no plans for such a study. But in taking forward the Government's proposals for a market-based approach to slot allocation, we shall consult fully with airlines and airports. The interests of the travelling public are and will continue to be at the heart of our objective of revising the current slot allocation regime.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many UK airlines have indicated to his Department their support of the introduction for a monetised slot auctioning or transfer system; how many have indicated opposition; and how many proposed new entrants to Heathrow or Gatwick have indicated their support. [5393]

Mr. Jamieson

There is general support among UK airlines for legitimising the trading of slots between airlines. To date, only Virgin Atlantic has openly supported the idea of slot auctioning. Others have been less enthusiastic, but we continue to discuss the matter with the industry.

The subject has not been discussed with representatives of overseas airlines. Airlines are reluctant to discuss their development plans, so it is not possible to answer the question about potential new entrants at Heathrow and Gatwick.