§ Mr. BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom Government's involvement in the establishment of a single European Air Safety Authority. [22670]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Government have participated fully in the work in the European Community on proposals to set up a European Aviation Safety Authority. EU Transport Ministers have already agreed that the Community should be part of a new European Aviation Safety Authority, which will help to ensure proper safety standards in air transport in the whole of Europe, not just the European Union. During the United Kingdom Presidency we shall seek to ensure that the plans for the new body, and the Community's role in it, are taken forward.