HC Deb 06 June 1985 vol 80 c196W
Mr. Gerald Howarth

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what existing landing agreements in the far east and Asia which could involve British companies are coming up for renegotiation in 1985.

Mr. Michael Spicer

We believe that air services agreements should provide the basis for fair competition between the airlines of each country.

The only air services agreement affecting the far east and Asia which is subject to formal renegotiation this year is that with the Philippines.

Mr. Gerald Howarth

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many times in the last five years his Department has been taken to court by foreign airlines about landing agreements; and what was the judgment in each case.

Mr. Micheal Spicer

Over the last five years there have been two court cases involving permits for foreign airlines. Last year a provisional variation of Philippine Airlines' permits was upheld by the High Court in June but quashed by the Court of Appeal when made final in July. There has not yet been a full hearing on the current case involving Iberia Airlines.