§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to increase the volume of air freight travelling to and from Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [5459]
§ Mr. Bowis[holding answer 21 November 1996]Cargo services by UK and US airlines between Scotland and the US and by European Economic Area airlines between Scotland and EEA countries are already fully open. It is for the airlines of those countries to decide whether they wish to take up the opportunities available to them. We have also given exceptional permission to Cargolux, Air France and Lufthansa—all non-UK airlines—to operate services between Prestwick and the USA.
Talks with the US Government on aviation issues, including cargo services, are continuing.
In general, we consider sympathetically any request from a foreign airline to operate services to Scotland which are not currently permitted, provided that the UK receives reciprocal treatment from the foreign Government.