HC Deb 29 November 2001 vol 375 cc1061-2W
Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what calculations his Department has made as to the additional costs incurred as a result of increased security measures at United Kingdom airports since 11 September by (a) United Kingdom airports, (b) airlines and (c) other service providers. [18451]

Mr. Jamieson

Following informal contacts between my Department and the aviation industry we estimate that the extra security measures introduced since 11 September will have cost the aviation industry about £50 million by the end of the year.

Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to assist(a) United Kingdom airports and (b) airlines in respect of additional costs incurred as a result of increased security measures at United Kingdom airports. [18452]

Mr. Jamieson

We are considering whether emergency aid should be paid to the UK aviation industry to compensate for the events of 11 September, and we will take the guidelines on state aid issued by the European Commission and endorsed by the EU Transport Council fully into account in any decision.