§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Transport why the application by Singapore Airlines for a licence to use Manchester international airport was turned down: if he will arrange for the matter to be urgently reviewed and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David Mitchell[pursuant to his reply, 12 December 1983, c. 312]: Singapore International Airlines has not applied for a permit to serve Manchester since I explained the conditions under which I should welcome a service by it in a reply to the hon. Member on 6 July. — [Vol, 45, c. 107.] I have received no subsequent request from the Singapore Government to serve Manchester, nor any indication that the airline would be prepared to make a corresponding reduction in the frequency of its London services if it were allowed to serve Manchester.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is Her Majesty's Government's policy for the future ownership of airports currently owned in part by metropolitan authorities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David Mitchell[pursuant to his reply,12 December 1983, c. 312]: The White Paper "Streamlining the Cities" indicated the Government's proposal to transfer the airport interests of Metropolitan County Councils to the relevant new joint boards acting as passenger transport authorities. The Government is also, however, anxious to see private capital introduced into loacal authority airports and is considering ways in which this can become possible.