To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Canterbury of 3 July 2008, Official Report, column 1020W, on aviation: the Royal Family, if he will instigate an internal inquiry to establish for what reason the sum in question was spent on a cancelled project; and what steps he plans to take to prevent a similar occurrence. (228003)

The Royal and Ministerial Air Travel project was a feasibility study and correct procedures were followed in accordance with procurement best practice. The project was not cancelled and its outcome was delivered to Parliament on 26 March 2008. We see no need for an internal inquiry.

Information about the project can be found on the Department’s website at:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/aviation/royalminairtravelproject