HC Deb 18 February 1948 vol 447 cc1136-7
19. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many seats were wasted during the past year's operations of the Civil Aviation Services, as a result of Departmental demands subsequently cancelled; and what was the financial loss incurred.

Mr. Lindgren

For the calendar year 1947 the number of booked seats which were cancelled and not filled was 509. The fares totalled £46,403.

Sir T. Moore

Is this one of the reasons, albeit a small one, why the Corporation lost £10 million in their first year's operations; and will the Parliamentary Secretary say what he intends to do about it all?

Mr. Lindgren

Whilst there is a lack of capacity—[HON. MEMBERS: "Where?"] In aircraft seats—for business men engaged on urgent affairs to get quickly from place to place, it is necessary to reserve some of those seats on a priority basis. As soon as possible that priority system will be removed, and is being progressively removed.

Mr. Stokes

In the event of a seat being cancelled and not filled, is the Department concerned charged with the amount involved?

Mr. Lindgren

Yes, Sir, if a seat is cancelled. But there are priority seats which are not taken up, and those are not charged because there is nobody to charge.