HC Deb 10 July 1996 vol 281 c193W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the implications for the United Kingdom of the Council of Ministers' decision to empower the EU to negotiate with the United States of America on behalf of EU states regarding air rights. [35955]

Mr. Norris

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Atkinson) on 8 July,Official Report, columns 76–77.

As noted in that reply, member states retain the right to conduct bilateral negotiations with the US while Community-level negotiations are under way.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to restart the Bermuda II negotiations with the United States of America. [35918]

Mr. Norris

Negotiations are scheduled to resume in the week beginning 15 July.