§ Mr. GogginsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what progress he is making towards eliminating restriction on the ability of United Kingdom and foreign airlines to serve United Kingdom regional airports without the need for bilateral negotiations; [106789]
(2) what is his policy on the applications for fifth freedom rights from foreign airlines wishing to serve Manchester airport; and if he will make a statement on how wider regional interests are taken into account in the process of deciding the award of fifth freedoms to air carriers. [106786]
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§ Mr. MullinIn June 1998 we offered to bilateral partners with whom we did not already have liberal agreements unrestricted third/fourth freedom access to all UK airports (except Heathrow and Gatwick) as long as UK airlines were also allowed to operate on the same routes. Fifth freedom rights were not included in the offer and remain subject to negotiation although in evaluating exchanges of rights we do take account of possible regional economic benefits. In the Department's response to the Select Committee on Environment, Transport and the Regions report on Access to Regional Airports we undertook to review this policy. Officials have consulted interested parties and a response will shortly be made to the Select Committee.
§ Mr. GogginsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his timetable for achieving full liberalisation of air service agreements. [106787]
§ Mr. MullinIt is impossible to set a timetable for achieving full liberalisation of air services agreements as this is dependent on bilateral partners. Liberal air service arrangements are already in place with EEA States and a number of other states and officials seek to liberalise our arrangements in other air services negotiations.