HC Deb 16 March 1988 vol 129 cc619-20W
Mr. Alfred Morris

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what arrangements have now been made for negotiations with the United States Government on United States carrier access to Manchester international airport; what consideration was given in arranging a date for the negotiations to the letter dated 2 February from Northwest Airlines sent to him by the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Officials from the Department of Transport will be meeting a delegation from the United States Government in London tomorrow. The discussions are planned to last two days. All relevant representations were, of course, taken into account in seeking a meeting with the United States Government on this subject.

Mr. Alfred Morris

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what emphasis he will be giving, in the impending negotiations between the United Kingdom and United States Governments on United States carrier access to Manchester international airport; to improving access to the United States for British airlines flying from Manchester; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

In negotiating wider access for United States carriers to Manchester international airport, the Government are committed, by the 1985 airports policy White Paper, to securing benefits of equivalent value for United Kingdom carriers in return. British airlines already have substantial opportunities under the United Kingdom/United States air services agreement to serve the United States from Manchester. The emphasis placed on obtaining further improvement access from Manchester must remain a matter to be decided in the course of the negotiations.