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National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Transport) Order 2010

Before the Minister responds, perhaps I may point out to him the context in which this LCO is being made. Yesterday, the National Assembly for Wales produced its transport policy. One of its main aspects relates to climate change and sustainability. I should point out that sections in the document address, "Transport across Wales", "The north-south corridor"—including air travel—and the east-west corridors. Wales has a very poor transport infrastructure; sometimes I refer to it as a third-world infrastructure. The document includes "Smarter Choices guidance" to, ""increase more healthy and sustainable travel";" measures to: ""Strengthen the role of transport planning … Introduce Welsh Transport Entitlement Card for bus and rail services (by 2014)";" and so on. This LCO is very important in that context. With regard to climate change, I was approached by the former chief executive of the Environment Agency, the noble Baroness, Lady Young, who said that we should ban north/south air travel between Cardiff and Anglesey. I asked her whether she realised that 50 aircraft from Heathrow went over my house each day at 10,000 to 16,000 feet, crossed and dissected by aircraft from Leeds, Newcastle and Edinburgh going to the Mediterranean. I asked her whether, in this context, she thought that a single plane carrying 35 passengers from Cardiff to Anglesey would make much difference. Therefore, I am sure that the Minister would welcome this document because we have a long way to go on sustainable transport in Wales.