HC Deb 11 November 1985 vol 86 cc75-6W
48. Mr. Portillo

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has made any further progress towards agreeing more liberal arrangements for air services to Europe since June 1985.

49. Mr. Hannam

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made to date in concluding more competitive air service agreements with other European countries.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Last month I met the Belgian Minister of Communications to sign new liberal air services arrangements between the United Kingdom and Belgium. This follows on the arrangements already agreed with the Netherlands, the Federal Republic of Germany and Luxembourg. We have also recently secured some flexibility on capacity with France, paving the way for greater changes. My right hon. Friend and I continue to press for liberalisation within the EC and in discuss ton with other countries including Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Finland and the Scandinavian countries.