HC Deb 12 February 1973 vol 850 cc226-7W
Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if negotiations on the draft air services agreement between Her Majesty's Government and the Chinese People's Republic have begun; whether it includes direct services between Heathrow and Peking; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Onslow

As indicated in my reply to the right hon. Gentleman on 30th January, we are waiting to hear from the Government of the Chinese People's Republic when they are ready for bilateral negotiations. We hope that an agreement will include arrangements for services between London and Peking.—[Vol. 849, c.348–9.]

Mr Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and the Soviet Union to establish an air services agreement for Concorde to overfly Northern Russia to Far Eastern destinations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Onslow

The existing bilateral air services agreement provides a British route across the USSR to the Far East. No governmental consultations with the USSR have yet taken place regarding supersonic corridors or use of supersonic aircraft on the services.