HC Deb 27 February 1952 vol 496 cc1139-40
42. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation what proposals the British Overseas Airways Corporation have put forward for tourist class services; when the proposals were submitted; and why they have not been approved.

Mr. Maclay

British Overseas Airways Corporation propose to operate tourist services across the North Atlantic from 1st May, 1952, in accordance with an agreement reached by the International Air Transport Association. This agreement was submitted for the United Kingdom Government's approval on 21st December, 1951, and has been approved, but I understand that the agreement has not yet been approved by all Governments concerned.

Mr. Beswick

In view of the fact that the Department have pressed for tourist services for a long period of years, is it not unfortunate that the Corporation have had to advertise them for the last five weeks as being subject to Government approval?

Mr. Maclay

This arises solely out of the procedure followed by the Internationl Air Transport Association, which provides that all these agreements must be approved by all the Governments of member airlines.

Mr. Beswick

Will the Minister ask the Corporations to make it clear that it is not because of any laxity on the part of the hon. Gentleman's Department that approval has not been given?

Mr. Maclay

I think the hon. Gentleman will find that all other airlines, foreign airlines too, have the same qualifying clause in their announcements.