To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the role of his Department in the licensing of scheduled air services to any destination in balancing demand and provision.

The process of licensing airlines in the United Kingdom for the operation of scheduled air services is undertaken by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Within the EC, licensed carriers are entitled to provide services on the basis of their own commercial judgement.The Secretary of State also has a role in determining appeals on licensing decisions taken by the CAA, including those which involve the issue of scarce bilateral capacity.