HC Deb 29 April 1970 vol 800 cc1223-4
5. Mr. Fortescue

asked the President of the Board of Trade how far the negotiation of a trans-Siberian service route from London to Tokyo depends on the granting of landing rights in Hong Kong to the Russian airline Aeroflot.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

The Soviet Minister of Civil Aviation and my right hon. Friend signed on 13th April a Protocol to the Air Services Agreement between the United Kingdom and the U.S.S.R., giving B.O.A.C. rights on the trans-Siberian route to Tokyo. Aeroflot has not been granted landing rights in Hong Kong.

Mr. Fortescue

First, can the Minister say whether negotiations are proceeding so that there may be greater frequency on the trans-Siberian route if we grant rights in Hong Kong to Aeroflot? Secondly, to what extent are the views of the Hong Kong Government taken into account when bargaining with landing rights on the Colony for other purposes?

Mr. Roberts

There has been no question of granting landing rights in Hong Kong to the Russians. The views of the Hong Kong Government have always been sought in these matters: they will continue to be sought. As regards an increase in frequencies, the agreement provides immediate rights to operate two services a week in partnership between the two airlines on the route London—Moscow—Tokyo. Any further frequencies would mean new negotiations and a new agreement.