HL Deb 07 March 1978 vol 389 cc777-8WA
Lord HYLTON

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why they consider that a widespread denial of overflying rights might follow an imperfectly concerted attempt to apply sanctions for the prevention of hijacking and other forms of international terrorism.

Lord ORAM

The operation of international air services including the right to fly over Statesen route is governed by a closely regulated system of bilateral and multilateral agreements. Denial of overflying rights, particularly to the extent that it was in derogation from these agreements, might lead to retaliation by other parties to them. The United Kingdom, as the second largest State in the world in terms of international scheduled air services, would be adversely affected by any disruption of the existing arrangements.