To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what discussions he has had with air carriers on the consequences for them of the cessation of the bilateral health agreement between the UK and the Isle of Man with effect from 1 April 2010; what obligations there are on air carriers on routes between the UK and the Isle of Man to meet the costs of hospital care and admission consequent upon a passenger falling ill while being carried on such a route; and if he will make a statement. (317584)

Responsibility for the bilateral health agreement with the Isle of Man rests with the Department of Health.

In relation to aviation, the Department for Transport has had no discussions with air carriers about the cessation of the bilateral health agreement. There are no obligations on airlines to cover costs of passengers who become ill (unless the airline was in some way negligent).