Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kelly Tolhurst and Amy Callaghan

Monday 18th May 2020 Commons Chamber

[Kelly Tolhurst]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question, although I missed his last point. Absolutely, the Gosport ferry provides an important service for the local community to navigate their way around the peninsula. That is why my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I met the council leaders. We have spoken to the organisation, and my officials are working with the councils to find a suitable support package for the operator in order to maintain that service.

[Amy Callaghan (East Dunbartonshire) (SNP)]

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the future of the UK aviation sector.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Kelly Tolhurst) [V]]

We are working across Government and closely with the sector on establishing a clear vision and objectives for the recovery of the sector.

[Amy Callaghan [V]]

The day prior to the announcement of BA CityFlyer redundancies at Edinburgh airport, Willie Walsh gave evidence to the Transport Committee in which he did not mention that once. It is inconceivable that he was not aware of the announcement. Does the Minister share my frustration that that lack of transparency simply prevents Parliament from performing effective scrutiny?

[Kelly Tolhurst]

The aviation sector is so important for the UK economy, which is why it has been able to draw down on an unprecedented support package. The Department and I have set up a restart and recovery unit to work with industry, including unions, ground handlers, airlines and airports, in order to come up strong measures to aid the recovery and restart of the aviation sector.