§ 39. Mr. Teelingasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will give a general direction to the British European Airways Corporation to ensure that all its officials who are called upon to accept Commonwealth currency for services whose value is computed in sterling observe the current rate of exchange.
§ Mr. NeaveNo, Sir, this is a matter of commercial management and is not a suitable subject for a general direction.
§ Mr. TeelingDoes my hon. Friend realise that when people arrive at London Airport, unlike most airports abroad, there is no indication as to where they can change money, especially if it is after hours? Is he further aware that only last week, when I was returning on a B.E.A. bus to London, a gentleman 368 tendered a Maltese pound note and was informed by the B.E.A. official that he was only allowed to give 17s. 6d. for it, and that in the previous week he had been allowed to give 19s. 6d.? Surely there should be some kind of official arrangement in respect of money tendered, because most foreigners are unable to exchange their currency into English money at the last minute?
§ Mr. NeaveI will look into the first point, that there is no place at London Airport where money can be exchanged easily. I should point out to the House that B.E.A. is bound by certain rules prescribed by the International Air Transport Association as to the rates of exchange. If there has been any divergence from those rates of exchange on the Malta route, I would like to receive more details.