28. Air Commodore Harveyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what steps are now being taken to relieve air passengers of the 5s. passenger tax which has to be paid at the airports.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThere is no such tax. It is a charge on airlines designed to help meet the cost of providing passenger facilities at airports. How it is recovered from passengers is a matter for the airlines. I can say, however, that the arrangements mentioned by my predecessor on 23rd July are working satisfactorily. My hon. and gallant Friend will also be glad to know that the major foreign operators are now collecting the charge at their offices in this country.
Air Commodore HarveyIs my right hon. Friend aware that B.O.A.C. is still making this charge at London Airport? Is he further aware that it could not be more annoying to British and foreign passengers, that as a result the French Government are now increasing their charges and quoting this as a precedent and making a higher charge, and that this would never have arisen if the charge had not been inflicted by B.O.A.C.?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThis is a proper charge on airlines in respect of facilities provided, at public expense, for their passengers at airports. As I said in my reply, the method of collection is a matter for the airlines and I am sure they are anxious to collect the charge with the minimum of irritation all round.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterGenerally I think the standard is very high, but if the hon. Member has any particular instance in mind, perhaps he will be good enough to give me particulars.