To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress of implementing a competitive multi-airline business in the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom has a large number of airlines which operate in a very competitive market. This has been aided by the United Kingdom's liberal licensing policies. The Government are seeking to ensure that the new European Community licensing regime, which will come into force throughout the EC as part of the single market, is as liberal as possible. The Government believe that this is the best way to bring about a market in which a range of airlines can compete and thus meet effectively the needs of consumers.