§ 1. Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Aviation if he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to British European Airways to start talks with European airlines with a view to setting up an hourly shuttle service between European capitals and London, on which there is no need to book.
§ The Minister of Aviation (Mr. Roy Jenkins)This is a matter for the airline. British European Airways takes 1724 the view that it would only be an economic proposition with prematurely obsolescent aircraft, which it does not have.
§ Mr. RidleyIs the Minister aware that these services would be more like bus services, on which there would be no need to book? If the Americans can do it, why cannot we do it? Will he have another look at this to see whether we can have the up-to-date air services which exist on the other side of the Atlantic and which people want instead of champagne and smoked salmon?
§ Mr. JenkinsI am well aware of the establishment of shuttle services on a limited number of routes in the United States. These are operated with old aircraft, mostly Super Constellations, which B.E.A. does not itself possess. I am anxious that B.E.A. should do what it can—and I am sure that the Corporation is—to improve services on the Paris and other routes.
§ Mr. RankinHas any census been taken of passenger possibilities on these routes?
§ Mr. JenkinsMarket research is constantly done, but I do not know whether there are details, and it would be difficult to obtain detailed figures, of what would be the response to shuttle services.
§ Mr. LubbockIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is extremely doubtful whether these services in the United States pay even with the use of obsolescent aircraft and that the fares on the shuttle services are more than the minimum tourist fares?
§ Mr. JenkinsYes, I am aware of both those points.