Airline Competition Policy

HC Deb 21 April 1988 vol 131 cc512-3W

Mr. Snape

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the status of the 1984 White Paper on airline competition policy following the British Airways takeover of B-Cal; and if he has any plans to publish a new statement of policy.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The Government's objectives remain as set out in the 1984 airline competition policy White Paper:

• —to encourage a sound and competitive multi-airline industry;
• —to promote competition in all markets.
• — to ensure adequate safeguards against anticompetitive behaviour by airlines.

The Civil Aviation Authority is considering the responses to its consultation on its revised statement of air transport licensing policies, which takes account of recent developments including the BA/B.CAL merger. My right hon. Friend has no plans at present to publish a further statement.