HC Deb 09 May 1977 vol 931 cc337-8W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied that Hong Kong carriers such as Cathay Pacific are adequately protected from retaliation in the light of United Kingdom withdrawal from the Bermuda agreement concerning fifth freedom rights previously granted to American and Thai airlines to pick up passengers in Hong Kong.

Mr. Clinton Davis

Yes. In our negotiations with the United States and with Thailand we take full account of the interests of Cathay Pacific.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the estimated benefit to the United Kingdom balance of payments derived from negotiated landing rights at Kaitak airport in Hong Kong.

Mr. Clinton Davis

The principal beneficiary from negotiated landing rights at Hong Kong is Hong Kong itself from the trade and tourism which air services facilitate and from the very substantial revenues earned by the Hong Kong-based airline, Cathay Pacific Airways. It is not possible to give other than a best approximation of the benefits accruing to the United Kingdom balance of payments.

over this period is provided by the level of the Department's balances held with the Consolidated Fund. These were as follows:

This is put at around £10 million per year at the present time.

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