asked the Secretary of State for Transport what action he intends taking on the application by American airlines to operate services to and from Manchester international airport.

The US Government, with whom any new traffic rights have to be negotiated and agreed, have now expressed an interest in securing access to Manchester airport for US airlines operating scheduled passenger services. In accordance with section 6.31 of the White Paper, "Airports Policy" (Cmnd. 9542), we are now considering with the United Kingdom interests affected, including Manchester airport, the basis on which such traffic rights should be made available to US airlines, including American Airlines, in preparation for a meeting with the US Government very soon.