§ 2.40 p.m.
§ The Earl of KIMBERLEYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To Her Majesty's Government 1111 what the present situation is with regard to Philippine Airlines obtaining landing rights at London Airport.
Lord ORAMMy Lords, Philippine Airlines' request for permission to operate air services into London Airport was first discussed in London last May during air services negotiations between officials of the United Kingdom and Philippine Governments. Those discussions were adjourned and no date has yet been agreed for their resumption.
§ The Earl of KIMBERLEYMy Lords, while thanking the Minister for that Answer may I ask him whether he is aware that the Philippines have bought British aeroplanes for 20 years against American competition and, secondly, that they are a very hot prospect for buying or leasing a Concorde? Would not the Minister agree that this is not the way to treat a prospective customer who may well buy a £35 million aircraft?
Lord ORAMMy Lords, I am aware of the importance of the Philippines as a potential customer, but the noble Earl's Question relates to landing rights. It is the policy of Her Majesty's Government, in common with most other foreign Governments, to adhere to the principle that we exchange air traffic rights only for air traffic rights. It is not a question of linking it with commercial negotiations.
§ The Earl of KIMBERLEYMy Lords, does not the Minister think, therefore, that in future it might be a good idea in this instance to make an exception and to go into the matter in greater detail?
Lord ORAMMy Lords, I am not sure that the situation in relation to the Philippines is so exceptional as to call this policy into question.