Ms Cathy Mannion:

In terms of the enforcement and notice issue, it was very specific in what it wanted Ryanair to do, and that was its interpretation. Obviously, all member states make their interpretations and sometimes there are subtleties around words and meanings, and that was its interpretation. All I can say is that by the end of that process, the wording we agreed with Ryanair in our view was compliant with that European regulation.

The second point was about taking the eye off the ball and the comment was that it was a purely a profit maximisation exercise. That is not within my remit so I do not know, but the only observation I would make is that if I was a profit maximiser I would have come out much earlier and told people about the cancellations. That would have saved me more money because if fewer than 14 days notice is given of a cancellation, the airline is required to pay compensation. Ryanair estimated the cost of that to be something in the region of £25 million. If I had given more notice, I would not have had to pay that money.

In terms of low level, light touch regulation, it is the same level of regulation. It is the same regulation, Regulation (EC) 261/2004, that applies in all member states so we all have to apply it. As we said earlier, in terms of dealing with the claims that come to us through Ryanair's processing, we will look at that with our European colleagues and take a harmonised approach to the treatment of the concerns raised by a passenger. It is not that one member state is letting Ryanair off the hook and another is not. The whole purpose is that, as far as possible, there should be a harmonised approach. Ms Barton might want to comment before Mr. Hodnett contributes.