Written question asked by Owen Paterson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 October 2003. It was answered by Tony McNulty (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 October 2003 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effects of introducing a domestic airworthiness standard for tethered balloons for passenger transport in advance of the introduction of a European standard, with particular reference to the effects on UK manufacturers of balloons; what options are open to manufacturers of tethered balloons for passenger transport to attain certification; when he first received reports that, under single market provision, a certification of airworthiness would be required for tethered balloons for passenger transport. - Ref to 6 October 2003, 410 c1057-60.

Answer: Mr. Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the effects of introducing a domestic airworthiness standard for tethered balloons for passenger transport in advance of the introduction of a European standard, with particular reference to the effects on UK manufacturers of balloons; [131218] (2) what options are open to manufacturers of tethered balloons for passenger transport to attain certification. [131219] (3) when he first received reports that, under single market provision, a certification of airworthiness would be required for tethered balloons for passenger transport. [131220] Mr. McNulty: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 29 September 2003, Official Report, 6 October 2003 columns 1057-1060W.

Secondary information