§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Prime Minister which Department has responsibility for maintenance of air and sea transport links(a) between those parts of the United Kingdom with devolved Assemblies and (b) between those areas and England. [51041]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions is responsible for air and sea transport policy in the United Kingdom. There is a liberalised air and sea transport market within the European Community and the Government do not normally intervene to maintain services, except in the case of certain economically vital 'lifeline' services which would not be commercially viable without subsidy. Any subsidies paid, subject to state aid rules, are the responsibility of the relevant devolved Administrations or local councils.