§ 2.53 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 ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will stop Aeroflot operating into and out of London Airport till after the finish of the Olympic Games in Moscow.
§ Lord TREFGARNENo, my Lords. We have an air services agreement with the Soviet Union which has the status of a treaty. Under that agreement, Aeroflot is entitled to operate services between the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom, as is British Airways. Her Majesty's Government are not seeking to intervene in trade with the Soviet Union where this can be justified on commercial grounds, and we take the same approach to air services.
§ The Earl of KIMBERLEYMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that Answer. Am I right in thinking that the air services agreement does not apply to charter flights which Aeroflot might apply for; and, if so, could he give details?
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, it is true that charter services are not covered by the air services agreement. They would need specific approval, and it has been made clear that if such applications are made they will be considered at the highest level.