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2 April 2009

(S3O-6494) BAA Airports Ltd (Competition Commission Report)

BAA Airports Ltd
(Competition Commission Report)

3. Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Government what it considers the implications to be for transport policy, tourism and the economy of the recommendations in the Competition Commission's report in relation to the future of BAA airports in Scotland. (S3O-6494)

The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change (Stewart Stevenson):



Competition in the airport sector can drive investment, innovation and the further development of Scotland's direct international air links, which can make Scotland more accessible for inbound tourists and improve business connectivity, thereby contributing to sustainable growth in the Scottish economy.

Jamie Hepburn: The minister will recall that I have written to him on the issue on a number of occasions. Does he share my concern that every opportunity to ensure that local authorities and other parts of the public sector that have an interest in having at least an equity share in any BAA airport that is sold should be explored? Does he agree that their having such a stake might allow for the greater pursuance of strategic transport, tourism, environmental and economic objectives?

Stewart Stevenson: The member may be aware, as others are, that the top-performing Scottish airport in the Which? survey of user satisfaction—Inverness airport—is publicly owned. I take the opportunity to congratulate the staff and management there for that highly significant achievement.

It is clear, therefore, that it is possible to have well-performing public airports. If local authorities are in a position to come to the view that they should take an equity share in any particular airport that is sold off by BAA in Scotland, we will watch the outcomes with interest and hope that they take the opportunity to emulate the top-notch performance at Inverness airport.

Charlie Gordon (Glasgow Cathcart) (Lab): What is the minister's view on the planned 12 per cent reduction in the number of flights from Glasgow airport this summer? Is he alive to the danger of asset stripping prior to any sale of Glasgow airport?

Stewart Stevenson: I suspect that the reduction in the number of flights is more a reflection of the difficult economic circumstances in which we find ourselves. If BAA were to decide that Glasgow airport is to be sold, I am sure that it would be in its interest to ensure that flight numbers are maintained to maximise its return. If the member feels that there are issues that I can respond to directly, I would be happy to interact with him further.

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