§ 39. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent the policy of his Department permits British Overseas Airways Corporation to reduce its fares on cabotage routes.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAs fares on cabotage routes must be fixed in relation to fares on international routes, reductions are subject to my approval.
§ Mr. BeswickWill the Minister, therefore, give an assurance to the House that if B.O.A.C. wishes to reduce its fares on these routes he will not object?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI can give no such assurance. There has been a tacit understanding, accepted by Ministers and the Corporations—which is a much more satisfactory way of dealing with these matters than by mandatory action—that cabotage fares will be subject to Ministerial approval. I must see their application before I can give any answer.
§ Mr. BeswickIs the Minister now telling the House that there is a tacit understanding, to be enforced by him, that B.O.A.C. cannot reduce its fares even if commercial considerations so dictate?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe hon. Member was once a Parliamentary Secretary of my Department. Since the passing of the Act the Minister has always had the final word in regard to cabotage fares, by a tacit agreement between himself and the chairmen of the Corporations.
Mr. C. I. Orr-EwingCan my right hon. Friend say where hon. Members opposite are briefed by B.O.A.C, so that we can all attend?
§ Mr. CallaghanIs the Minister aware that our information and briefing are much less than those of the commercial television interests?