To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when negotiations will be resumed with the United States Government on the licence application of United States carriers for new services to and from Manchester airport; what action has been taken since the previous negotiations; and if he will make a statement.

The United States Government are not prepared to enter into further substantial discussions on United States carriers' access to Manchester until next year. Her Majesty's Government have pursued a number of points arising from the March talks. We will try to secure a resumption of negotiations as soon as possible.