§ 15. Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Trade how many meetings he has attended in his capacity as president of Eurocontrol.
§ Mr. EyreSince the United Kingdom took over the presidency of Eurocontrol in July 1980 there have been two ministerial meetings of the Permanent Commission. My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State with ministerial responsibility in these matters chaired the diplomatic conference on 12 February 1981. His predecessor chaired the previous meeting, held on 20 November 1980. My noble Friend has also made two informal visits to Eurocontrol facilities.
§ Mr. AtkinsDoes my hon. Friend accept that Eurocontrol, an organisation that controls air navigation charges within certain member countries, is in urgent need of a review, bearing in mind that it levies probably the most expensive charges anywhere in the world, including the United States of America? Will he ask his colleagues within Eurocontrol to pay particular attention to the amount of dog-legging that is required by aeroplanes as a result of defence requirements and the need to avoid military airspace?
§ Mr. EyreI note the point that my hon. Friend has made. Eurocontrol will be making provisions about all route charges. I know that my hon. Friend will appreciate that there are no fewer than 26 national States in Europe that come under the aegis of Eurocontrol. I shall ask my noble Friend to consider the point that my hon. Friend makes about dog-legging on routes.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyIs it not true that this is a nonsensical international quango which does work that would be much better done by other international organisations? Should not the Minister demonstrate his doctrinal purity by getting rid of it?
§ Mr. EyreI do not think that the hon. Lady can justify her criticisms. The combined efforts of member States exerted through Eurocontrol will provide the best guarantee that safety and efficiency will remain prime objectives.