To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates have been made of the potential impact on the local economy of the highlands and islands if public service obligations incorporating reduced fares were introduced on flights to the highlands and islands from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness A study carried out on behalfof HITRANS by the transport consultants Steer Davies Gleave in June 2004 estimatedthat the Net Present Value (NPV) over a 30-year period of the economic benefitsof a blanket imposition of Public Service Obligations (PSOs) across air routes inthe Highlands and Islands, together with HITRANS’ suggested enhancement for theair services, was £400 million (1998 prices).