§ Mr. GogginsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what account he will take of United Kingdom regional interests in future discussions he has concerning the development of air services between the United Kingdom and the United States; [111303]
(2) what assessment he has made of the likely economic impact on the North-West of the liberalisation of air service agreements between the United States and the United Kingdom; [111302]
(3) what assessment he has made of the likely impact on the North-West of full liberalisation of air service agreements. [111301]
§ Mr. MullinIn all our bilateral aviation discussions, the interests of the regions are given full weight in determining the overall balance of UK interests. Manchester airport contributes significantly to the economy of the north-west, a contribution which should increase as the aviation market is liberalised. Indeed, the Government believes that the liberalisation of air services agreement would bring widespread benefits—to consumers and to the industry, as well as to the regional and national economies. This is why the UK continues work towards the liberalisation of air services generally. The "open skies" template proposed by the United States does not constitute liberalisation. We shall continue to impress upon the US Government the need for them to abandon their protectionist aviation policies and embrace true liberalisation.
§ Mr. GogginsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to initiate further discussions with the United States concerning the development of air services between the United Kingdom and the United States. [111304]
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§ Mr. MullinThe United Kingdom and United States governments are currently in discussion on matters concerning the liberalisation of air services.