HL Deb 04 February 1981 vol 416 cc1196-7

2.40 p.m.

Baroness Burton of Coventry

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will indicate the points to be considered by Lord Trefgarne in the report to be made by him on airport security matters; when it is estimated that the report will be completed; and whether they will make a statement.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade (Lord Trefgarne)

My Lords, I understand that the noble Baroness is referring to the undertakings given by my honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in another place on 19th January 1981 to the effect that I would give careful consideration to a number of points regarding aviation security. I shall indeed consider them carefully, but I do not propose to make a report.

Baroness Burton of Coventry

My Lords, the Minister is quite right: I was referring to that, and I gave him the date. May I ask, as it was said that he would be considering five points, four of them in connection with the security levy and one in connection with air traffic control, whether the noble Lord would feel able to let the House have information on those points when he has considered them? Is he further aware that all the airlines, I think without reservation, consider that the air security charges are too high, that they add to their costs and that they add to the fares charged to customers?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, the Aviation Security Fund, to which the noble Baroness refers, is one of the matters I am looking into carefully. I should not wish to be tied to making a statement when I have considered the implications of this matter, but I would be willing to answer a Question, perhaps for Written Answer, when the moment comes.

Baroness Burton of Coventry

My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister, but might it be possible to have an oral Answer if one put down a Question?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, the nature and timing of Questions tabled by Members of your Lordships' House is not a matter for me. I shall be glad to answer the noble Baroness's Questions as best I can whenever she tables them.