HC Deb 18 June 1984 vol 62 cc18-9W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many flights are currently authorised by his Department for, respectively, Malaysian Air Services and British Airways each week between the United Kingdom and Malaysia; and why he has declined to agree to more flights.

Mr. David Mitchell

Four round-trip services by MAS and four round-trip services by BA are currently authorised. Additional services are not justified under the arrangements between the two aeronautical authorities for the determination of capacity on the Kuala Lumpur-London route. There are not sufficient passengers wanting to travel between these two countries to warrant additional flights.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he next expects officials of his Department to hold talks with the representatives of Malaysian Air Services regarding increasing the number of flights between the United Kingdom and Malaysia.

Mr. David Mitchell

No further talks are planned at present, nor have any been requested by the Malaysian authorities.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the latest negotiations between officials of his Department and representatives of Malaysian Air Services regarding increased flight frequencies between the United Kingdom and Malaysia.

Mr. David Mitchell

Consultations were held between the aeronautical authorities of Malaysia and the United Kingdom on 29 and 30 May. The consultations examined the case for additional services on the route between Kuala Lumpur and London in the light of the latest data concerning the development of traffic on the route and against the background of arrangements agreed between the aeronautical authorities for the determination of capacity. Additional capacity could not for the present be justified under these arrangements.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the steps he requires Malaysian Air Services to take prior to him agreeing to increase the number of flights between Malaysia and the United Kingdom authorised by his Department.

Mr. David Mitchell

I am ready to authorise additional capacity if it is justified under the arrangements agreed between the aeronautical authorities by reference to the relevant traffic flows.