§ Mr. AmosTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in establishing a more competitive multi-airline business in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe Government have continued to pursue policies of increasing the scope for competition in all aviation markets, so that a variety of United Kingdom airlines have as many opportunities as possible to offer services to the public. Both internationally and domestically this has been reflected in the competition 305W between two or more United Kingdom operators on a substantial number of routes, and in the benefits that that has brought to the consumer. Between 1985 and 1990, the number of domestic routes served by two or more United Kingdom airlines rose from 22 to 38. The Government have been successful in negotiating more liberal bilateral agreements with a number of foreign Governments, and will vigorously continue to seek further opportunities to do so. Within the European Community the United Kingdom is prominent in pressing for a truly liberal aviation regime after 1992, so that all British airlines have full and fair opportunities to compete in the single market.