§ 33. Mr. FavellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received about the licensing of transatlantic air routes from Manchester.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyA number of representations have been received concerning improved access for United States carriers to Manchester. The licensing of those carriers is a matter for the United States Government, not Her Majesty's. The United States Government do not have the necessary traffic rights under the United States/ United Kingdom air services agreement. It is necessary for them to seek to negotiate for these additional rights. Officials from the Department will be meeting a delegation from the United States Government in London later thin week to try to make progress on this matter.