§ Mr. Bill WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if his Department requested from the Civil Aviation Authority a balance of benefits analysis for the renegotiation of the United States-United Kingdom air service agreements, Bermuda 2, in 1995. [9187]
§ Mr. BowisThe UK-US air negotiations in 1995 concerned small-scale changes to Bermuda 2 rather than a full renegotiation. The Department of Transport asked the Civil Aviation Authority to estimate the possible costs and benefits to UK airlines of certain specific features of the proposed deal, notably a modest relaxation of restrictions on flights to London from Chicago and Philadelphia, and some new code-sharing opportunities.
§ Mr. WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if it is his Department's policy in the context of significant air service negotiations to request from the Civil Aviation Authority a balance of benefits analysis; [9189]
(2) if he will list all the air service agreements negotiated over the last three years for which the Civil Aviation Authority was requested to provide a balance of benefits analysis. [9188]
§ Mr. BowisIt is not the Department of Transport's policy to request an all-encompassing "balance of benefits" analysis from the Civil Aviation Authority before conducting air service negotiations, especially those which have the objective of general liberalisation. However, we regularly commission a cost-benefit analysis from the CAA when limited and specific commercial rights are under negotiation, and CAA staff are always invited to participate in air services negotiations, including preparatory UK delegation meetings.
§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many European member states have negotiated with the United States open skies agreements which grant fifth freedom rights to United States carriers. [9114]
§ Mr. Bowis[holding answer 13 December 1996]We understand that the US has reached such agreements with the following European countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Denmark
517 - Finland
- Germany
- Iceland
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Sweden
- Switzerland.
§ Mr. SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what representations his Department has made to the United States Government regarding the restrictions imposed on United Kingdom airlines within the United States aviation market; and if he will make a statement; [9113]
(2) in what circumstances his Department will grant fifth freedom rights to United States carriers; and if he will make a statement; [9115]
(3) what are the United Kingdom's objectives for the renegotiation of the US-UK air service agreements (Bermuda 2); and if he will make a statement. [9112]
§ Mr. Bowis[holding answer 13 December 1996]The Secretary of State's objective in the current negotiations with the US on air services is to reach a liberal aviation arrangement to the benefit of the UK. Both access to the internal US market and fifth freedom rights are being discussed within the current negotiations.