HC Deb 22 October 1952 vol 505 cc993-4
32. Mr. J. Taylor

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation if he is aware that, by imposing a tax of 1s. 6d. on motorists parking their cars at Northolt whilst visiting the restaurant, he discourages the patronage of the airport restaurant; and if he will withdraw this tax.

Mr. Maudling

A charge of 6d. for the first hour, 1s. 6d. up to 12 hours and 2s. for 24 hours has been made since July, 1951, for parking cars at Northolt Airport. The car parks are provided at public expense and the charges, which are in no sense a tax, conform to normal practice.

Mr. Taylor

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that it may be a very good plan to extend the hour to an hour and a half in order that lunchers and diners may not have to watch the clock all the time they are having a meal? Will he not extend the time for half an hour?

Mr. Maudling

I have much sympathy with the hon. Gentleman's point, and I have investigated the possibility. The fact is, however, that these hours are part of an agreement made with the concessionaire during the time when the hon. Member for Uxbridge (Mr. Beswick) occupied my position, and this agreement is in general proving very satisfactory to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Mr. Beswick

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that his information on this point is inaccurate or, at least, incomplete? The concession was not made during the time that I was connected with the Ministry of Civil Aviation. There was certainly an agreement that increased fees should be payable after one hour, but it was never imposed until one and a half hours had elapsed. The new contract has been put into operation on the change of Government. Will the hon. Gentleman see if, in the interest of all concerned, his Department can make the very sensible arrangement which my hon. Friend suggests?

Mr. Maudling

I am informed that the arrangements date from July, 1951, but if I am in error in saying that the hon. Gentleman occupied my place at that time, I apologise to him and to everybody concerned.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

May it not be that it is now more efficiently run and that they do pay for one hour and not for one and a half hours?