§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what action has been taken by his Department to introduce Public Service Obligation protection for the slots used for services to and from the UK regions at Heathrow and Gatwick airports; and if he will make a statement. [9341]
§ Mr. SpellarThe use of Public Service Obligations is governed by EC Regulation 2408–92 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes. Any application for the imposition of a PSO from the relevant authorities will be carefully considered while taking the criteria set out in the regulation into account.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the White Paper for UK Aviation will include proposals for at least one new runway at(a) Heathrow and (b) Gatwick and that such a runway be designed for and a significant proportion of the slots created by such an additional runway capacity be designated for UK regional air services; and if he will make a statement. [9346]
§ Mr. SpellarThe South East and East of England Study (SERAS) is examining a wide range of options at existing airports and new sites. We expect the study to be completed towards the end of this year, and to be followed by a full public consultation on the short-listed options early next year. Decisions made following the consultation will feed into an Air Transport White Paper which we aim to publish in the second half of next year.