LIBERALISATION OF TRANSATLANTIC SERVICES

Early day motion 301, tabled 7 February 2001 by Lord Snape (Labour). Signed by 71 members.

That this House, believing that airline passengers and the aviation industry can only benefit from greater choice and more competition, urges her Majesty's Government to grant Singapore Airlines' long-standing request to open a transatlantic service from London Heathrow Airport; notes that this request was first made 12 years ago and has the approval of the US Government; that, as recommended by the House of Commons Transport Committee, approval can be given immediately regardless of the status or outcome of the UK-US bilateral negotiations as Singapore Airlines is not party to any agreement between the two countries, that British airlines have exercised rights to fly beyond Singapore for over 30 years but that Singapore Airlines has no rights beyond the UK and that two UK and two US airlines operate 97 per cent. of transatlantic services from Heathrow, thus severely limiting consumer choice; and recognises Singapore Airlines' commitment to providing passengers throughout the UK with services of the highest quality over the last 28 years.

Signatures by party: Labour 42, Liberal Democrat 13, Conservative 11, Labour/Co-operative 2, UUP 2, Plaid Cymru 1.