§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to resist the EU negotiating bilateral air agreements until such time as the policy regarding state aid to airlines is identical in each member state; and if he will make a statement. [19914]
§ Mr. NorrisIt is the Government's policy that member states should remain free to negotiate bilateral air service agreements, except in those cases, for example with Switzerland, where a mandate has been agreed in the Council of Ministers. The Government remain committed to opposing state aid in air transport which distorts competition.