HC Deb 08 July 1998 vol 315 c542W
Mr. Ottaway

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps his Department is taking to ensure repayment of the £2 billion subsidy paid to Air France by the French Government. [49071]

Ms Glenda Jackson

We understand that the Commission is considering its response to the recent judgment of the Court of First Instance. We will consider any further steps in the light of action taken by the Commission.

Mr. Ottaway

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the decision of the European Court of Justice that Air France received a £2 billion subsidy from the French Government contrary to the Treaty of Rome. [49072]

Ms Glenda Jackson

We welcome the recent judgment of the Court of First Instance, which confirms that public subsidies to airlines must be granted only in strict conformity to Treaty rules.