§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to submit proposals to the European Commission in relation to regulations 248/92 and 95/93 governing slot(a) allocation and (b) ring fencing at Heathrow and Gatwick. [13697]
§ Mr. Jamieson[holding answer 9 November 2001]: The Government are currently reviewing whether they should seek to ensure that slots are reserved at London airports for regional services. One possible means of achieving this could be the utilisation of Article 9.1.a of Regulation 95–93. The Government have received a PSO application for the Inverness-Gatwick route from the Scottish Executive and this is under consideration. If the Government decided to impose a PSO, they would need to inform the Commission in accordance with Regulation 2408–92.
§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on demand for slots at Heathrow and Gatwick over the next five years. [13693]
§ Mr. Jamieson[holding answer 9 November 2001]: The Department has commissioned the South East and East of England Regional Air Services study (SERAS), which is considering all aspects of airport capacity in the area, having regard to future forecasts of demand. The study is looking up to 30 years ahead. Consideration of demand for runway capacity at Heathrow and Gatwick forms part of the work.
We expect the study to be completed towards the end of this year. Public consultation on the shortlisted options is due in early 2002.