HC Deb 15 December 1997 vol 303 c35W
Mr. Stringer

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what criteria are used by his Department in determining whether to grant transatlantic fifth freedom rights from regional airports. [20813]

Ms Glenda Jackson

When considering the strategy for air services negotiations, in which the granting of transatlantic fifth freedom rights from regional airports might be an issue, the Department takes into account the needs of consumers, airports, the UK carriers and the overall UK economy.