asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to encourage growth in scheduled air services between Northern Ireland and destinations in the European Community and the United States of America.

The provision of scheduled air services is primarily a matter for the commercial judgment of airlines, (subject to their obtaining the requisite route licence under the Civil Aviation Act 1982) and for the airport authorities. The Government have encouraged growth in such services by assisting the development of Belfast international airport to the requisite standard.