To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions are currently being held within the joint aviation authority about the establishment of a single regulatory authority for air safety across the joint aviation authority countries; what is the status of the draft convention adopted by the joint aviation authority hoard in March concerning a single regulatory authority; what form of consultation will take place on any moves to establish a new body to regulate aviation safety; what steps he will take to ensure accountability and enforcement with steps he will take to ensure accountability and enforcement within any new structure; and if he will make a statement. [36892]
No discussions are being held with the joint aviation authorities about the establishment of a single regulatory authority. We are considering a draft convention which would enable national aviation authorities of JAA member states to act through the JAA as a de facto single aviation authority, but expressly does not establish such an authority on a de jure basis. The Civil Aviation Authority would remain the aviation safety regulator in the UK. The JAA is, and will continue to be, accountable through the JAA board, on which the UK is represented.