Minutes of the external advisory group, September 2004
Minutes of the External Advisory Group meeting, aviation white paper, held on 16 September 2004 at 9 am in Great Minster House
Attendees: David McMillan (Chair), Jonathan Sharrock (DfT), David Gray (DfT), Dean Dyer (DfT), Dipak Valand (DfT), Fiona Carr (DfT), Barry Humphreys - Virgin, Danny Pedri - DHL, Jamie Ross - Scottish Executive, Jim Bailey - SASIG, Keith Jowett - AoA, Mike Toms - BAA, Gareth Harper - Transport 2000 Simon Evans - AUC, Roger Wiltshire - BATA, Rowena Burns - MAG, Paul Ellis - BA, Tim Johnson - AEF, Michael Roberts (for Lucinda Turner - C.B.I)
Introduction
David McMillan explained the purpose of the group and what the Department hoped to achieve from these meetings. He emphasised that the External Advisory Group was not a substitute for bilateral meetings between stakeholders and the Department.
Presentation: Implementation of White Paper - Jonathan Sharrock
Jonathan Sharrock explained the Programme Structure which the Department is using to monitor the implementation of the Future of Air Transport White Paper objectives. He explained the breakdown of the programme into various work areas and the range of stakeholders with strong interests. The governance arrangements were described to illustrate where the External Advisory Group fits into the process and its link with the White Paper Implementation Programme Board.
Discussion groups
The External Advisory Group split into two groups and discussed a number of key points relating to the Implementation of the White Paper. The topics discussed were:
- The role and purpose of the External Advisory Group
- The Department's approach to implementing the White Paper
- What has been overlooked, if anything, in our approach?
- Are the deliverables detailed in the work plans correct and appropriate?
- Are there any major flaws in the programme .If so, how could they be improved?
- Communication between Stakeholders and DfT.
Feedback to plenary group
Gareth Harper, Jim Bailey and Tim Johnson presented feedback on discussion from the two groups. The main points raised were:
- Future meetings of the EAG should last no more than two hours. Agreed.
- EAG would like clarification on the expected level of involvement of stakeholders in the implementation process. It was agreed that DfT will consider providing clarity on this for the next meeting.
- EAG would like to see a clear demonstration of progress at every meeting with defined timelines and milestones, including any possible bottlenecks or issues that would impact the progress of the implementation of the White Paper. Information be shared as far as possible for next meeting.
- EAG discussed whether the group should be increased and who should be included. FoE and a Charter Airlines representative will be invited onto the group.
- The EAG would like their views to be fed through to the Programme Board and receive feedback from the Programme Board meetings. To be considered by DfT.
- EAG considered whether the minutes of EAG meetings should be available on the DfT website. Agreed
- The EAG proposed some specific issues which might be discussed at future meetings - (i.e. surface access issues, road pricing, and regional spatial strategies)?
- The EAG would like to gain a better insight into European and International issues, and their impacts on the Implementation process
- The EAG would like to see a high degree of consistency of consultation with industry standard.
Summary and next meeting
The chair summarised the actions the Department would pursue following this meeting:
- Agree dates for future meetings over the coming year.
- Provide the EAG with a better understanding of the Programme Board purpose and work area priorities.
- Provide the EAG with information on Programme milestones, timescales and interdependencies and update the EAG accordingly at each meeting on progress made.
- Establish a programme of future meeting agenda items to cover all work areas.
The next meeting is expected to be scheduled for February 2005.
Programme Management Office
Airports Policy Division
23 September 2004
