§ Mr. McCartneyasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what plans the Government have to amend the Civil Aviation Act 1980 to enable the transfer of British Airways' routes to other carriers and to compensate British Airways and its staff;
(2) if it is the Government's intention to restrict British Airways' ability to compete with independent airlines in the future;
(3) what representations he has received from independent airlines about their ability to compete with British Airways;
(4) when he expects to receive the report of the Civil Aviation Authority review on aviation competition policy.
§ Mr. David MitchellMy right hon. Friend has received from various airlines copies of their submissions made to the Civil Aviation Authority in the course of its review. He hopes that the authority will report to him on the outcome of the review by mid-July. It would be premature to comment before then on the future development of British Airways' route network, the view of the independent airlines, or any suggestions of transfer of routes from British Airways to other British airlines.