31. Mr. Charles Ian Orr-Ewingasked the Postmaster-General what percentage of the rate of six gold francs per tonne/kilometre, as agreed between the Universal Postal Union and the International Air Transport Association, he pays to British Overseas Airways Corporation for the carriage of air mail on long haul services.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThere is no agreement between the Universal Postal Union and the International Air Transport Association covering conveyance rates paid by postal administrations to their national air-operators. I am writing to the hon. Member to explain the. position more fully.
Mr. Orr-EwingWould the right hon. Gentleman look at the B.O.A.C. report, which says, in paragraph 99, that if proper rates had been paid, their total revenue would have increased by £3 million? Is this statement' incorrect, or is the Postmaster-General using his unique position to under-cut the rate which he had agreed in international conference?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsNo, Sir. We never agreed the rate in international conference. These are commercial agreements, freely negotiated, and I am quite satisfied that what I have told the House is correct.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI have not the figure before me. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put a Question on the Order Paper?
§ Mr. MikardoWill my right hon. Friend now consider making an increase, however slight, in this rate, to help B.O.A.C. in their attempt to reduce their deficit?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI am prepared to pay a proper rate to B.O.A.C. and no more.