Clause 11 - Financial assistance: air transport services
Transport (Wales) Bill
4:30 pm
Bill Wiggin ((Also Shadow Secretary of State for Wales), Environment, Food & Rural Affairs; Leominster, Conservative)
The hon. Gentleman has an unusual style; he is particularly obtuse about this matter. We had a discussion about whether financial assistance should or could be given within certain parameters. He will recall that the Government have particular hang-ups about giving financially successful companies subsidies. I share that view, incidentally, but I do not agree that the wording in the Bill is the best way to proceed. He will know that there are not huge numbers of viable airlines flying between north Wales and anywhere else. The majority of people, particularly in the north, leave Wales to catch aeroplanes. Viability is the question. The amendment would give the Assembly more leeway to encourage those air services, if it deems it a wise move to do so.