HC Deb 17 May 1934 vol 289 cc1942-3
67. Lieut. Colonel Sir WALTER SMILES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that a Government subsidised air line is putting pressure on recognised travel agencies to restrict or prevent the sale of the tickets available by small unsubsidised air passenger-carrying companies; and whether he will make representations to the company concerned to put an end to this practice?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)

I have no evidence that Imperial Airways, which is the only Government subsidised air company, is responsible for any representations which may have been made to travel agencies on the lines described in my hon. and gallant Friend's question, the second part of which does not, therefore, arise.

Mr. WHITESIDE

Will the hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the railway companies to the fact that action in restricting the sale of tickets for air travel is hardly compatible with their alleged interest in air lines?

Sir P. SASSOON

No, Sir, I do not think I could do that.

Sir W. SMILES

Is the Under-Secretary aware of the great difficulty of buying tickets in London to travel by air to Belfast?

Sir P. SASSOON

As I said, no pressure has been brought to bear by Imperial Airways. Any pressure is a matter for the railways.

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