§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the criteria on which take off or landing slots are awarded between airlines; and whether he will seek an agreement on slots which will ensure that the allocation of take off and landing rights at airports is such as to promote fair opportunities for smaller and newer airlines as well as larger and older ones.
§ Mr. Norris[holding answer 9 December 1992]: Slots are allocated between airlines by airport co-ordinators, according to guidelines laid down by the International Air Transport Association and used world wide. With regard to the regulation on slot allocation recently agreed by the Council of Ministers, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Dartford (Mr. Dunn) on Thursday 10 December, at column 784. The regulation strikes a balance between protecting the legitimate interests of established carriers and providing opportunities for new entrants.