§ 7. Mr. Hydeasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the annual net revenue from charges levied on passengers departing from State airports in this country since the date of the original imposition of these charges.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterSince the charge which is levied on the air lines was introduced on 1st May, 1952, it has produced in net revenue some £183,000 for the 11 months of the financial year ended 31st March, 1953; £239,000 for the year 1953 to 1954; and £267,000 for 1954 to 1955.
§ Mr. H. HyndIs not this a very annoying charge, which should be abolished as soon as possible?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI think it is reasonable that when elaborate and necessary landing ground facilities are provided at the expense of the taxpayers, a charge should be made for at any rate part of the services so rendered.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesWhy cannot the charge be made with the usual landing charges which are only for airline companies? Why should it be a special charge for passengers to pay?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIt is not, as I think the hon. Gentleman knows, specially made for the passengers to pay. As I said in my original answer, it is levied on the airlines, and the methods by which the airlines seek to recover it are, of course, their business.
§ Mr. NabarroIs my right hon. Friend aware that the charge in Britain in this connection is the lowest in Europe?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am obliged to my hon. Friend, but, without reference, I would hesitate to agree even with him.
§ 8. Mr. Hydeasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will now abolish the charges levied at State airports on passengers departing for destinations outside the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HydeIs my right hon. Friend aware that, apart from the Iron Curtain countries, there is only one country in the world besides this country which imposes these charges, and that they are a constant source of irritation to tourists visiting this country and have been a particular source of complaint on the part of Americans?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThey need not be a source of irritation to the passengers if the arrangement which is now being widely adopted by airlines is followed and the collection of this charge is made at the same time as the fare is paid.
§ Mr. GrimondWhat is the cost to the taxpayers of the maintenance of, say, London Airport, and how much of it is met by this charge?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterPerhaps the hon. Gentleman would put that question on the Order Paper.