§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) on how many occasions in the last year he has discussed the issue of 137W slots at Heathrow with representatives of (a) British Airways, (b) Virgin Atlantic and (c) other airlines; [91222]
(2) if he will list each occasion since he took office when he has met (a) British Airways and (b) Virgin Atlantic to discuss the proposed British Airways-American Airlines alliance. [91220]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonMinisters in this Department are in regular contact with representatives of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic on aviation matters, including, among other things, slots at Heathrow and the British Airways-American Airlines alliance. It is not the normal practice of government to give details of specific meetings with private individuals or companies.
§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what indication he has received from British Airways or American Airlines that their proposed alliance is not to proceed. [91224]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonWe have received no communication from American Airlines about the alliance. British Airways position continues to be that the progress of the deal as presently structured will depend on satisfactory competition remedies.