HC Deb 09 May 1994 vol 243 cc53-4W
17. Lady Olga Maitland

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what further progress he has made towards liberalisation of transatlantic air routes.

Mr. McGregor

The United States has still not returned to the negotiating table. I have continued to signal my willingness to continue talks, both on the liberalisation package as a whole and on more limited interim exchanges of new rights.

Mr. Davidson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the policy of the United States Government in respect of United Kingdom based airlines bidding for contracts to fly(a) United States mail and (b) military personnel in and out of the United States; what negotiations he has held with the United States authorities on the subject; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Norris

United Kingdom airlines are prevented from carrying the vast bulk of United States mail carried by air. They are also prevented from competing with United States airlines on an equal footing for the carriage of the remaining small percentage of United States mail. United Kingdom airlines are also prevented from carrying United States Government-financed passengers and property. These restrictions on United Kingdom airlines' ability to compete on equal terms with United States airlines are one of the issues the United Kingdom has raiseed in the current air services liberalisation negotiations between the United Kingdom and the United States. The United Kingdom is seeking the right for UK-designated airlines to compete without discrimination on ground of nationality for such business.

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