§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the latest position in the negotiations between the United 702W Kingdom and Scandinavia on a revised air services agreement.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe first round of negotiations took place in Oslo from 29th May to 2nd June. Despite a disappointing response by the Scandinavians to our proposals, progress was made on some issues. In line with our views it has subsequently been agreed that fares on the routes between the United Kingdom and the three Scandinavian countries should be reduced. The second round of negotiations is expected to take place in London early in August.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Trade if the Scandinavian air authorities propose the restriction of air services to British Airways alone; what position the Government are taking on this matter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe Scandinavian authorities wanted to have a single multinational carrier on their side and a single carrier on ours. My view is that it is for each side to decide which carrier or carriers should operate its services and that neither side should attempt to impose its policies in this matter upon the other. At the recent round of talks the Scandinavian delegation indicated that, as part of an overall satisfactory settlement, they would accept our position.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Trade if it is his intention to seek to maintain the services from the United Kingdom to Scandinavia provided by British Caledonian, Dan-Air and Air Anglia.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisYes.