HC Deb 13 March 1961 vol 636 cc955-6
3. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will give an assurance that the prohibition imposed on British European Airways to operate aircraft to Leipzig during the Fair will be lifted before the next fair in order that that airline may be able to share in the passenger traffic available now to its competitors.

Mr. Thorneycroft

There is no such prohibition so far as Her Majesty's Government are concerned.

Dame Irene Ward

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that it has been stated, I think by B.E.A. itself, that no services were operated because the West German Government did not wish them to operate? If this is not true, which I should be very glad indeed to hear, because it would seem more than stupid, will my right hon. Friend take steps to assure everyone in Europe and our exporters in this country that British Airways can operate to Leipzig during the Fair if it so desires?

Mr. Thorneyeroft

The Government certainly have not prohibited British European Airways from flying anywhere. If there is some question of inter-Governmental agreement, this would be a matter for the Foreign Office. I would remind my hon. Friend that similar problems which have arisen in trade were surmounted by us, as by the West German Government, by carrying on without inter-Governmental agreement.