§ Mr. Richard Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for Trade if it is his policy to encourage competition from private operators in domestic air routes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EyreThe licensing of air transport operators is the concern of the Civil Aviation Authority, which has published its criteria for licensing short-haul routes, and which has recently published a discussion document on domestic air services. My right hon. Friend is involved where there is an appeal against a decision of the Authority, and there is an appeal pending at the moment in respect of the Heathrow-Belfast route; I do not wish to say anything which might seem to anticipate my right hon. Friend's decision on that appeal.