A new inquiry by a National Assembly for Wales committee will examine the importance of Welsh ports and airports to the Welsh economy, and how their potential can be developed.
The Enterprise and Business Committee is calling for evidence to feed into its inquiry which will also examine whether the potential of Welsh ports and airports is being restricted, how their potential can be better realised and how effectively Welsh Government policies support their development.
Cardiff airport saw 10% fewer passengers in 2010, prior to the withdrawal of BMI Baby services, and a fall of 84% in freight traffic.
Ports and airports policy in Wales is reserved to the UK Government but Welsh Ministers and the National Assembly for Wales have specific powers regarding issues such as transport links, planning policy, grants and other financial assistance.
“Wales is increasingly trying to raise its profile on the world stage by establishing its identity as a devolved nation and improving international trade and tourism links,” said Chair of the Enterprise and Business Committee, Nick Ramsay AM.
“If Wales is unable to connect with the world through its ports and airports it makes our ambitions much more difficult to realise.”
“This inquiry intends to answer the key questions surrounding the future and potential of our ports and airports: what is the Welsh Government doing to support them and to what extent do Welsh Ministers work with their counterparts in the UK Government to support their development?”
Anyone wishing to submit evidence to the inquiry can do so by writing by 29 February 2012 to: Siân Phipps, Clerk to the Enterprise and Business Committee, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF99 1NA, or emailing enterprise.committee@wales.gov.uk.