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Written question asked by Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party) on Monday, 7 November 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 November 2016. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 21 November 2016 on behalf of the Department for Transport.


Belfast International Airport

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, and if so when, they were approached by the Northern Ireland Executive to establish if the proposal to provide public funds to ensure the continuation of the United Airlines flight between Belfast International Airport and Newark New Jersey was compliant with European Law.

Answer

The Northern Ireland Executive sought advice from Her Majesty’s Government on 8 August 2016 on how to approach the European Commission with this case. In giving this advice, Her Majesty’s Government made it very clear that the UK had to honour all its obligations under the Treaty and continue to abide by the law.

Any decision on whether to notify the European Commission was ultimately a matter for the Northern Ireland Executive as the pubic authority giving the aid.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3060
Session
2016-17
Subjects
Air routes EU law Government assistance USA Belfast International Airport
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk