asked the Secretary of State for Trade if consideration has been given to requesting airlines of countries in South America and West Africa to transfer to Gatwick; and if he will make a statement.

The services of all airlines were taken into account in developing the policy, announced on 5 April 1977, to relieve congestion at Heathrow by the transfer of air services to Gatwick. However, the immediate emphasis was placed on transfers involving major blocks of traffic.