HC Deb 29 May 1951 vol 488 cc26-7
48. Mr. John Grimston

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why his regulations only allow British European Airways to offer their passengers in flight the equivalent of one ounce of duty-free tobacco, thus placing them at a disadvantage compared with the air lines of other countries operating to and from Great Britain.

Mr. Gaitskell

The quantity of duty-free stores issued to aircraft going abroad must by law be strictly limited according to the number of persons on board and the probable length of the particular flight. I am, however, considering the possibility of broadening the concession within the limits of the present law.

Mr. J. Grimston

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, now that all international aircraft fares are the same, small differences of this kind may very easily influence passengers away from British airlines, and that any relaxation that he can make will make it much easier for our own airways to pay their way?

Mr. Gaitskell

That is why I want to see if we can do something within the present law.