The response to the Ash Crisis is an important matter on the agenda for the next meeting of EU Transport Ministers, which will take place on24 June and which the Secretary of State is planning to attend.

Estimates vary- the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell) quoted some relating to the airport in her constituency-but the EU estimates that the Ash Crisis cost the airline industry £2 billion.

Many regional airports have experienced significant difficulties as a result of the Ash Crisis, which is certainly something that we will take on board.

During the Ash Crisis in April this year, the FCO's social media profiles on Facebook and Twitter enabled us to listen to stories as they developed and to dismiss inaccuracies.