To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the effect of the change in Scottish lowland airports policy on economic development in Scotland; and if he will make available the evidence on which it is based.
Many of the responses to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport's consultation paper on Scottish lowland airports policy addressed in detail the possible economic effects of the policy options. All points made were assessed and taken fully into account in the review, and it was concluded that the "open skies" decision as subsequently announced would offer greatest benefit to the Scottish economy.We do not intend to publish the submissions made in response to the consultation paper.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what planned improvements in road and rail services to Prestwick airport he had approved before 6 March; and whether any changes are now being considered.
My right hon. and learned Friend gave approval, in September 1989, to proposals for the Ayr road route scheme. This is a joint project between Strathclyde regional council and the Scottish Development Department and, when it is complete, it will be possible to drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Prestwick airport entirely on motorway, dual carriageway or four-lane carriageway. I understand that Strathclyde regional council plans to start advance works on its section in June this year. Two further schemes are planned which will upgrade the remaining four-lane sections to dual carriageway.Discussions will continue between the Scottish Office, Strathclyde passenger transport executive and British Rail about the possibility of building a new station at Prestwick airport. No decision will be taken, however, on whether such investment would be justified until we are in a position to assess the trends in passenger numbers at Prestwick in the light of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport's recent announcement of the outcome of the review of Scottish lowland airports policy.