HC Deb 27 February 1961 vol 635 c1186
36. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Minister of Aviation what action he proposes to take on air-freight rates following the failure of the recent International Air Transport Association cargo conference in Paris to reach a common policy.

Mr. Thorneycroft

The failure to reach agreement affects the transatlantic services only. I welcome the obvious desire of the airlines to cut freight rates. I am keeping in touch with the United Kingdom airlines concerned and will consider what action if any I should take in the light of the situation as it develops.

Mr. Chetwynd

Has not the Minister yet had an approach from B.O.A.C. to allow it to go ahead with fixing its own freight rates? In view of the potential of this traffic, will he reach a speedy conclusion on this matter?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I have received the Corporation's proposals. I shall certainly consider them sympathetically.