§ Lord Vivianasked Her Majesty's Government:
In view of the recent European Commission ruling on the "Single Sky Policy", what steps are being taken by the Ministry of Defence to allow the United Kingdom to retain control over its own airspace to ensure that the Royal Air Force is able to fly at any time in defence of the United Kingdom. [HL3140]
§ Lord BachThe Ministry of Defence is fully engaged in formulating the UK's position on the European Commission's Single Sky proposals. These proposals, which recognise the national security imperative, call for close co-operation between civil and military authorities. The MoD has forged close links with the Civil Aviation Authority and other interested government departments, and these will ensure that we are fully involved in any Single Sky legislation discussions which impinge on issues of national security.