§ 39. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Minister of Aviation why he has increased the car-parking charges at London Airport; and whether, in view of the effect of these increased charges for periods of over 48 hours upon passengers who travel to the airport by road from outside the London area, he will consider reducing them in order to lessen the burden on this class of passengers, many of whom are engaged on export and other business of national importance.
§ Mr. RipponCharges for long-term car parking in the Central Terminal area 881 were increased for the summer months this year because experience showed that about three-quarters of available space was being taken up by cars parked for more than two days, thus limiting the facilities available for other users of the airport. Arrangements are being made to increase the parking space in the Central Terminal area. In the meantime alternative arrangements can be made by travellers who wish to leave their cars for any lengthy period.
§ Mr. YatesI appreciate the difficulties, but is it not rather exorbitant to charge £2 a day in excess of this figure? It is especially hard upon those who come from outside the London area and who are especially engaged in the export business. Is this not a rather undesirable method of excluding people from the car park?
§ Mr. RipponIf people are engaged on export business and they expect to be away for more than two days, it is not difficult for them to make arrangements for their cars to be garaged elsewhere.
§ Mr. StracheyWhat are these alternative arrangements? There is a great shortage of garage space around here. Would not it be worth while for the Ministry to provide these facilities at more reasonable fees?
§ Mr. RipponFacilities are available at a number of local garages. Garages will collect and return the cars to the airport. As regards the future, I think that the multi-storey garage which is being built will go far to ease the position.