Mr. Shawcrossasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he will assure the House that His Majesty's Government are prepared to grant to the United States Government Fifth Freedom Rights for American air lines on the same terms as they have been granted by the Government of Eire to the United States Government.
Mr. Ivor ThomasI cannot give my hon. Friend the assurance he seeks. The grant of unrestricted Fifth Freedom rights is not consistent with the policy of orderly development of air transport to which His Majesty's Government adhere.