§ Lord LUCAS of CHILWORTHMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Greenway, on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make a statement on progress in negotiation with Member countries of the European Community to reduce air fares within the Community and increase competition.
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, we have consistently advocated that air fares should be as low as possible while at the same time providing for the economic well-being of the airlines. In consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority, we shall continue to refuse unjustified increases and to press for the introduction of lower fares and new excursion fares where appropriate. This policy has already achieved considerable success.