§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under what piece of legislation Her Majesty's Government possess powers to compel foreign airlines to use specific British airports.
§ Mr. OnslowPowers exist in Article 77 of the Air Navigation Order 1972 to grant or withhold permits to foreign airlines to use specific British airports. These powers are naturally used compatibly with our international obligations, and the Government will continue to use46W them after consultation with the aviation interests concerned.
§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list those foreign carriers which have, since the opening of London Gatwick Airport been approached by Her Majesty's Government or its agencies to move their main United Kingdom operations from London Heathrow to London Gatwick; and how many have done so.
§ Mr. OnslowSo far as can be ascertained from the records, the only foreign carriers which have been asked to move their main United Kingdom operations from Heathrow to Gatwick since Gatwick Airport opened in 1958 are Loftleidir and Bulgarian Airlines. Both of them did so at the time but have subsequently returned to Heathrow.