§ Sir Keith SpeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the report on European aviation by the Comité des Sages; and what steps he is taking to ensure the recommendations are implemented by all members of the European Union.
§ Mr. NorrisI warmly welcome the publication of the report of the Commité des Sages and, in particular, its commitment to the implementation of the single market. It offers a useful assessment of the position of European air transport and emphasises a number of key areas where improvements need to be made. Specifically, I endorse whole-heartedly the report's conclusions on reducing Government intervention in airlines' commercial decisions. I also support the report's general views on state aids and have urged the Commission to ensure that these are reflected in the revision of its own guidelines on state aids in this sector. However, there are a number of other recommendations on which the United Kingdom has reservations, including the need for a new European body for air traffic control.
It will, of course, be for the Commission to take forward implementation of the report's recommendations and put forward proposals to the Council of Ministers where appropriate. I shall, however, be pressing the Commission to take action on the report's key recommendations on the implementation of the single market.