HC Deb 24 July 1996 vol 282 c323W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what basis he decided to charter an aircraft registered in the United States for his recent visit to the middle east; and what account he took of the approach of the United States authorities to applications for similar operations by United Kingdom airlines. [39458]

Sir Nicholas Bonsor

Our brokers informed us that the aircraft was the only suitable one available at the time. Had a British charter company been able to supply an alternative UK aircraft, we would have used it.

We continue to urge the US Government to approve discretionary fifth freedom charters by UK companies. The decision on individual charter applications is a matter for the Secretary of State for Transport.