§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) whether his Department has received any representation, formal or informal, from the United States 463W authorities to the effect that the British Airports Authority's charging policy is either discriminatory or unreasonable; and what reply has been made;
(2) whether his Department is satisfied that forthcoming airport users' charges are not in conflict with United Kingdom air transport legislation or the Bermuda II Air Services Agreement; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TebbitI am satisfied that the user charges of the British Airports Authority are not in conflict with either United Kingdom air transport legislation or the provisions of the Bermuda II agreement. Officials of my Department met representatives of the United States authorities in January to discuss user charges under the provisions of that agreement. My understanding is that the United States Government have not formed the view that the BAA's charging policy is either discriminatory or unreasonable, but further exchanges at official level will take place in due course.