§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what commitments have been given to UK airlines since 11 September about(a) insurance cover for terrorist risk, (b) compensation for compulsory grounding, (c) the reallocation of unused slots, (d) compensation for extra security, (e) the payment of passenger ticket taxation and (f) state assistance to offset financial losses; and what representations have been received in respect of each of the above. [8016]
§ Mr. Jamieson[holding answer 15 October 2001]The aviation industry has made a number of representations to the Government about the financial difficulties that it faces as a result of the downturn in passenger demand following the terrorist attacks on 11 September. The Government have taken action to provide temporary third party insurance cover for war and terrorism risk, but no commitments have been given in respect of any other requests. The European Commission has now produced guidelines on what financial assistance they might allow member states to provide to airlines, and these will be discussed at the Transport Council meeting on 16 October.