21. Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what progress has been made in the discussions with the Government of Eire about amending the Anglo-Eireann Agreement so as to allow air services between Wales and Ireland.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterDiscussions have recently taken place in London between British European Airways and Aer Rianta and are due to continue in Dublin shortly. I hope to resume inter-Governmental discussions when these talks have been completed.
§ Mr. C. HughesIs the Minister aware that these negotiations have been going on for a long time, I think since 1951? Is he further aware that the existence of this monopoly of Aer Lingus is retarding the progress of civil aviation in Wales? Will he hear that in mind and take it into consideration before he enters into a final settlement?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI fully realise that these negotiations have taken a very long time indeed. That is due to the fact that we are negotiating against the background of an Agreement, the effect of which the hon. Member has substantially summarised but which was not an Agreement which I concluded. It was made in 1946.