§ Mr. Trotterasked the Minister for Trade whether he will report on the recent visit made to the United States of America by the Under-Secretary of State from his Department, in particular as to his assessment of the effects of airline deregulation.
§ Mr. Sproat[pursuant to his reply, 8 November 1982, c. 18]: During my visit I met representatives of the main United States Government Departments, of the agencies responsible for civil aviation, the Civil Aeronautics Board and the Federal Aviation Administration, and of airport administrations. I also had separate meetings with airlines representing a wide cross-section of the United States airline industry, and other relevant bodies and individuals. It is my clear conclusion that the increased competition that has resulted from deregulation within the United States has in general benefited the airlines and, more importantly, the travelling public. Over the next few weeks I shall be considering, in consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority, what lessons we should draw from the United States experience for our own policy within the United Kingdom, and for our efforts to liberalise civil aviation in Western Europe.