§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with(a) the National Assembly for Wales and (b) airlines about increasing the number of chartered flights in Wales. [64542]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI have regular discussions with Assembly Ministers about issues affecting Wales including a wide range of transport matters.
Assembly officials have been closely involved in the Regional Air Service studies the reports of which are to be published soon. These regional consultation documents will set out options for the development of air services and airports in the UK over the next 30 years.
The Regional Air Service studies include consideration of all forms of air traffic including charter flights. I understand that Welsh airports are actively marketing the facilities they are able to offer to charter operators.