§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the ownership of take-off and landing slots at (i) Gatwick and (ii) Heathrow airport. [84869]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe ownership of slots will be considered as part of the consultants' study now being carried out for the commission on the possible use of market-based solutions for the allocation of slots at congested airports.
§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what plans he has to submit proposals to the European Commission on the revision of Article 14 of Council Regulations (EEC) 95/93 on slot allocations at community airports; what timetable has been established for such proposals to be submitted; and what nature of consultation he envisages; [84865]
(2) what his Department's policy is on the (a) sale and (b) swapping of take-off and landing slots at (i) Gatwick and (ii) Heathrow by airlines [84870]
§ Mr. JamiesonWe believe that the auctioning of new slots, and the trading of existing slots, would help maximise the efficiency of use of slots at congested airports. My officials will be consulting interested parties, including the Scottish Executive, about proposals for amendments to the Commission's proposals for amending Regulation 95/93, and for amending Regulation 2408/92 on Public Services Obligations. The aim is to submit proposals to the Commission in early 2003.