DURHAM TEES VALLEY AIRPORT

That this House notes the Competition Commission's investigation into the Civil Aviation Authority's recommendations which will set new charges for flights landing at Heathrow Airport from 1st April 2008; further notes that BMI has put Durham Tees Valley Airport on notice that any significant increases will make it very difficult for the company to operate UK domestic feeder services from that airport and this will have a detrimental effect on the local economy because the route is used by business people to transfer at Heathrow onto international flights; and urges the Department for Transport to consider placing a public service obligation on the air route between Durham Tees Valley Airport and Heathrow to secure the landing slot at Heathrow and therefore preserve this major link to the globalised economy for the benefit of the North East's prosperity.