§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on what emergency aid schemes have been authorised to compensate UK airlines for losses caused by the closure of airspace between 11 and 14 September 2001. [43975]
§ Mr. JamiesonOn 13 December my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced a package of up to £40 million in financial assistance designed to compensate UK airlines for the closure of US, Israeli and central London airspace in the period immediately following the terrorist attacks. Twelve claims for assistance under this scheme have been received and these are currently being examined. The European Commission authorised this scheme on 12 March and we expect to make payments shortly.