SNP MSPs COMMENT ON COMPETITION COMMISSION CALL FOR BAA SELL-OFF.

SNP MSPs COMMENT ON COMPETITION COMMISSION CALL FOR BAA SELL-OFF.

SNP MSPs have welcomed the recommendation from the Competition Commission today (Thursday) that BAA should sell off one of its Scottish airports.

West of Scotland SNP MSP Gil Paterson has welcomed the Commission's final report which has recommended that BAA sell off its control in one of their two central belt airports in Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Mr Paterson, has repeatedly raised the problems of BAA’s ownership of both major airports as well as the absence of regulation – unlike the airports in London.

Commenting Mr Paterson said:

“I welcome this firm decision by the Competition Commission. BAA’s ownership of Scotland’s airports has restricted competition and held back our economy.

"The Competition commission has noted the lack of regulation in Scotland and this is a prime opportunity to address that problem to benefit passengers and the local community alike.

“We need real competition between the three lowland Scottish airports to ensure the best services, more direct international flights and competitive prices for business and tourism.

“It is clear BAA would rather sell Glasgow than Edinburgh. Regardless of which airport is sold it is vital that the sell-off also considers the interests of those who live around the airport and sees an end to the self-regulation of airports that has disturbed so many people in their vicinity and damaged the interest of Scotland's travelling public .”

Central Scotland SNP MSP Jamie Hepburn has suggested that there is consideration of Scotland's local authorities taking a stake in future ownership and is urging local authorities in the area surrounding Glasgow airport to investigate the possibility of them taking a stake in such a deal.

Commenting, Mr Hepburn said:

"The decision on BAA's ownership of both Edinburgh and Glasgow could present an opportunity for local authorities to take a stake in the future ownership of one of these airports.

“Manchester Airport Groups continued interest in acquiring one of Scotland’s airports demonstrates that a public ownership model is certainly feasible. I also think it would be desirable.

“A public ownership model could allow for a more sustainable approach to developing Scotland’s airports that would put the interests of passengers first and allow for better integration with the rest of our public transport system.”