§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he was first advised of the problems facing the Southend council and the Miracle Bus Company in securing permission from the West German Government to provide a bus from Ostend to West Germany to connect with a plane from Southend airport; and if he will set out the actions taken by his Department since that time.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe Department first became aware of these problems in December 1985. Since then we have been engaged in correspondence and discussions with the authorities in Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Commission to secure authorisation for the operation of the service. I understand that it is now due to come into operation towards the end of this month.