§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is prepared to implement the provisions of section 64(2) of the Civil Aviation Act 1982 to enable a British airline to continue to fly scheduled services between London and Riyadh; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellSince the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 11 May, at column 476, consultations between the aeronautical authorities of the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia have been held, on 26 and 27 May, to consider arrangements for services by British Caledonian Airways between London and Riyadh. Arrangements have been made for a further round of consultations to take place in July. It remains my hope that these consultations will succeed. Use of the provisions of section 64(2) of the Civil Aviation Act enabling the Civil Aviation Authority to grant an exemption from the requirement to hold an air transport licence would be inappropriate in these circumstances.