§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Executive about the use of a public service obligation on the Gatwick to Inverness air route. [13694]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe DTLR has received a proposal from the Scottish Executive outlining the case for the imposition of a public service obligation on the Inverness to London route. This proposal is being analysed by the DTLR, while taking European Regulation 2408/92 into account. Informal discussions at ministerial level about protection for this route have taken place. In addition, DTLR and Scottish Executive officials recently met to discuss the proposal.