§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to legislate for the deregulation of airport ground handling charges; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe arrangements for ground handling differ widely between airports. Charges for the services provided are a matter for the airport operator, or for the authorised agent and airlines concerned. However, the Airports Bill, published on 16 January, contains proposals whereby the Civil Aviation Authority will have power in this area to remedy charges or trading practices by airport operators that are discriminatory or that represent an abuse of an operator's monopoly.