§ 32 and 33 Mr. N. Pannellasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (1) if he will investigate the question of Aer Lingus flights originating in the Republic of Ireland being permitted to uplift passengers from the United Kingdom and transport them to the Continent, when private operators have been refused permission to operate services to transport British passengers over similar routes;
(2) if he will consult with the Government of the Republic of Ireland regarding permission for private operators in the United Kingdom to operate reciprocal flights to the Republic of Ireland.
§ Mr. HayOur agreements with the Irish Republican authorities already provide for flights between our two countries and beyond on a broad basis of reciprocity. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind where he considers the arrangements are not working satisfactorily and he will send me details, I shall be glad to investigate the matter.
§ Mr. PannellIs my hon. Friend aware that on the continental flights from Ireland Aer Lingus actually uplifts more passengers from the United Kingdom than it takes on board in Ireland? In those circumstances, is it not absurd to deny to private operators the right to transport those passengers from the United Kingdom to the Continent over similar routes?
§ Mr. HayWithout notice, I could not comment on the figures mentioned by my hon. Friend, but, as I have explained, we have this agreement with the Irish authorities. It provides for reciprocal treatment, but if it happens that geography comes into it to some extent I am afraid that that is one of the consequences of geography itself. However, I am quite satisfied that the Irish Republic and Aer Lingus do not get any tremendous advantage out of this, because British airlines can operate in Ireland and do so.
§ Mr. LiptonA very good impromptu answer.