§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he will make a statement on the discussions which have taken place with Spain on air services between the two countries;
(2) if it is still his policy to require Iberia and TAP to transfer their operations to Gatwick; what progress is being made with such transfer; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisIt remains Government policy that all passenger air services including those of British Airways, between London and Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar should operate from Gatwick. Talks were begun with the Spanish and Portuguese authorities some 18 months ago. In further talks recently, involving a full exchange of views, both Governments were invited to send high-level teams to Heathrow and Gatwick to see for themselves the advantages which Gatwick offers. We understand the concern the Spanish and Portuguese authorities have expressed and hope that we shall be able to meet it.