Transport Minister Ewart Brown told MPs that Government will have greater influence over air services to the Island.

Dr. Brown said his Ministry had been working closely with the UK Government over recent months to see how international air services to Bermuda could be better managed to the benefit of the Bermudian economy.

And he said although the UK Government would still have the final approval, Bermuda would now have greater responsibility in determining any changes to its chartered and scheduled flights.

The outcome of discussions between the two governments was summarised in a Statement on International Air Services, concluded in October.

Speaking in the House of Assembly on Friday, Dr. Brown said: "The statement provides a blue-print for better co-operation between our two Governments and, as a consequence, greater efficiency in the conduct of international aviation affairs of mutual interest.'' The statement pointed out that Bermuda's geographic location made its economy heavily dependent upon commercial air services.

As the Island was an overseas territory of the UK, local Government did not have the capacity to sign contracts with foreign countries, as this was the prerogative of the UK Government.

However, Dr. Brown said that under the new agreement: "The UK authorities will give Bermuda as much notice as possible of all impending air services negotiations which may concern or affect air services or prospective air services to and from the Island, and Bermuda will be included in work preparatory to such negotiations, which may be relevant to air services to or from Bermuda or which may affect the operation of such air services.'' He also said that the UK was in a position to exert influence in international negotiations which Bermuda was not involved in, and that this influence could operate to Bermuda's advantage.

Dr. Brown added the UK Secretary of State may, from time to time, delegate to the Bermuda Government the authority to issue operating permits to applicant airlines.

This would enable the Bermuda Government to authorise flights to operate services to the Island without final approval coming from the UK. Dr. Brown said in instances where the Bermudian authorities did not have such delegated authority, the UK authorities would seek the advice of Bermuda in respect of any requests by a non-UK air carrier for operating authority to serve the Island.

In response to Government's request for assistance in the training and development of local officials in international aviation matters, Dr. Brown said: "The UK authorities will assist Bermuda to develop the requisite skills, experience and infrastructure to play an increasingly effective role in international air service negotiations.'' And he said that this process would lead to Bermudian officials acquiring enhanced competence and experience in aviation matters.'' In conclusion, Dr. Brown said: "We recognise that we must protect our position as a top-flight tourist destination and reputable domicile for international business. Thus Government continues to work to remove unnecessary barriers to the provision of new air services and to help carriers -- scheduled and charter -- recognise the commercial attractions of serving Bermuda.'' Dr. Ewart Brown