§ Mr. Roy HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what new proposals he has to encourage the development of air services from the regional airports of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyIt is not our policy to subsidise air services. We will continue to approve capital allocations to increase regional airport capacity where this is justified. In international negotiations over traffic rights we aim to facilitate air services between regional airports and overseas, provided British interests are safeguarded. In particular, the EC air transport "package", which came 593W into force on 1 January, gives airlines the automatic right to provide services between any United Kingdom regional airport and most major airports in the Community.
§ Mr. Roy HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to support financial and other links between British and European airlines where this reflects EEC policy.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe establishment of financial and other links between British and European airlines is a commercial matter for the airlines themselves. We would be involved only if advised by the CAA that such a link would result in a British airline becoming foreign controlled. We would treat each case on its merits.