§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what study his Department has made of the agreements reached between the United States Government and other European states on access to their airports for United States carriers; when he now expects negotiations with the United States Government on access to Manchester airport to be re-opened; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe understand that some European states' bilateral agreements automatically give United States carriers wide access to their airports. But our agreement requires the maintenance of balanced opportunities for the parties. The United States Government have indicated that they will soon propose a package of new rights for their carriers, including rights into Manchester. They are unlikely to be ready to negotiate before October, however.