HC Deb 21 October 2002 vol 391 cc11-2W
Mr. Brady

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale, West of 15 October 2002,Official Report, columns 162–23, if additional slots will be provided for domestic flights between London and Manchester during periods when the West Coast Main line is closed. [75204]

Mr. Spellar

Alternative rail links between Manchester and London will be in operation during the closure of the West Coast Main Line. London-Manchester is one of the busiest air routes in the UK. If demand for flights on this route rises, airlines could increase the size of the planes they operate on that route, or increase the frequency of services. This will be a commercial decision for them.