HC Deb 11 January 1989 vol 144 cc691-2W
Mr. Thurnham

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the restrictions on United Kingdom investors purchasing shares in American airlines.

Mr. Alan Clark

United Kingdom investors are permitted to purchase shares in American airlines. However, the United States Federal Aviation Act (1958) requires that an "air carrier" be "a citizen of the United States". In order to satisfy this requirement, it is a condition that no more than 25 per cent. of the voting interest of a United States air carrier is owned or controlled by persons who are not United States citizens.