§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has yet decided to invoke the provisions of the protection of the Protection of Trading Interests Act 1980 in regard to the proposed grand jury investigation in the United States involving British airlines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tom KingMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and I announced on Friday 24 June 1983 that powers had been exercised under sections 1 and 2 of the Protection of Trading Interests Act 1980 to safeguard United Kingdom trading interests affected by the application of United States anti-trust laws. The relevant instruments come into effect today. The order reflects the Government's view that the unilateral application of United States anti-trust laws to aviation activities covered by our bilateral treaty—the United Kingdom — United States Air Services Agreement (Bermuda 2)—threatens to damage United Kingdom trading interests.
While my right hon. Friend and I were satisfied that it was necessary to take these steps to protect United Kingdom interests, it nevertheless remains the Government's hope that it will be possible to reach with the United States Government an acceptable resolution of the underlying dispute and any jurisdiction issues arising.