HC Deb 11 March 1991 vol 187 c661
3. Mr. Butler

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress towards a single market in aviation.

Mr. Rifkind

The European Community Council of Ministers is now committed to a single market in aviation by the beginning of 1993. A second, interim package of measures was agreed last June. Discussion is in progress on safeguards against anti-competitive behaviour, and the Commission is required shortly to being forward proposals on issues that remain to be settled in detail.

Mr. Butler

Will the single market bring lower fares? If not, why not?

Mr. Rifkind

All the evidence that we have shows that when restrictions are removed, bringing in freer competition, it results in downward pressure on fares. I hope that that will be the experience when the single European market is achieved.

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