HL Deb 31 October 1984 vol 456 cc514-5

2.35 p.m.

Baroness Burton of Coventry

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in view of the answer given on 14th June (col. 1252), they are able to give further details of the progress made on the review by the European Air Navigation Planning Group of the air route structure.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, we understand that the European Air Navigation Planning Group's provisional plan for improvements in route alignment is likely to be endorsed by the full ICAO Council by April next year. However, in advance of ICAO's formal approval the United Kingdom, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Ireland and Spain have already established new routes reflecting operators' requirements.

Baroness Burton of Coventry

My Lords, is the Minister aware that after what must seem interminable Questions it is rather nice to end the Session in thanking the noble Lord for the help that he has given on this matter? But having said that, would the Minister not agree that it seems an interminable time since this matter was referred to the International Civil Aviation Organisation? If I am correct, I believe it was referred in May; and does the noble Lord recall that in June he told me that they had still not had time to discuss the matter? I understand that they are meeting in Montreal at the present moment. Can the noble Lord say whether waiting until next year means that the routes affected will not be in a cost-saving position as it has not actually become law?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, no, that is not so. I am happy to be able to say that a number of improvements along the lines proposed by the planning group are being brought into effect straightaway. For example, a Dublin-London route has been established; a Dublin-Cherbourg peninsula route has been established; and also a Dublin-Santiago route has been established, all of which shorten the original routings and will provide economies for airlines as a result.

Baroness Burton of Coventry

My Lords, perhaps the noble Lord will be kind enough to let me know next year when this has finally been settled, so that we might have a Question down and end the matter once and for all.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I shall be happy to ensure that the noble Baroness is kept fully informed.