§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement, further to the reply306W to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe, from the hon. Member for Eltham (Mr. Bottomley), the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, on 11 January, Official Report, column 144, on the prospects for increased United States carrier access to Manchester international airport; and what steps he is taking to keep the airport's board in touch with development.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe United States Government have just responded to the proposals that we tabled early in January. The United States proposals are being studied with interest and urgency.
It is too early to give precise indications of future prospects for increased access by United States carriers to Manchester. The Government are pleased that the United States Government appear to wish to negotiate on this matter.
We seek to ensure that Manchester International Airport Authority is continually kept in touch with developments.