§ 37. Mr. Straussasked the Minister of Aviation if he will state the present position resulting from the deadlock over reducing passenger fares that was reached at the International Air Travel Association; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
§ Mr. SandysUnless agreement is reached between now and 1st April, there will be no internationally fixed air fares after that date except for those within Europe, between Europe and South America and between North and South America. I am actively considering the position, but I have no statement to make yet.
§ Mr. BrockwayAre not private air services taking advantage of the situation to raise their charges, particularly to the Far East, beyond those which the national services are allowed to reach?
§ Mr. SandysThe independent airlines are all pressing to be allowed to reduce their fares.
§ Mr. BurdenIs not there likely to be some confusion about this? My right hon. Friend will agree that he has no control whatsoever over private airlines run under the auspices of other Governments. He can bring his good offices to bear only on British independent airways, with whom he is constantly in touch.
§ Mr. SandysI can speak only for Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom.