§ 21. Mr. Perkinsasked the Minister of Civil Aviation whether he is aware that, in view of the decision that if aircraft remain on the ground for more than four hours the full landing fee must be paid in addition to that entailed for parking, some civil aviators take off in adverse weather conditions in order to avoid the full landing fee which would be imposed for a long wait; and whether, in view of the danger incurred by this practice, he will reconsider his decision.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. Reginald Maudling)I assume my hon. Friend is referring to the concession under which 182 aircraft landing solely for Customs, health and immigration clearance are exempt from landing fees. Any such aircraft which remains on the ground for more than six hours after Customs, health and immigration formalities have been completed is liable to the normal landing fee. Our experience has shown that this period is a reasonable one; I have no evidence that this practice is dangerous.