HC Deb 20 March 1961 vol 637 cc21-2
59. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the participation of industrialists from West Germany and France as well as from the United Kingdom at the Leipzig Fair, he will make representations to the West German Government, in pursuance of inter-Governmental arrangements, for the removal of the restriction on the provision by British European Airways of a service to Leipzig at the time of the Fair.

Mr. Heath

The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany have placed no restriction on the provision by British European Airways of flights to the Leipzig Fair.

Dame Irene Ward

Could my right hon. Friend explain, in order that the situation may be made absolutely and completely clear, why it is that only K.L.M. and Sabena flew direct flights to Leipzig, and whether the rumour that B.E.A. was not permitted to fly is incorrect?

Mr. Heath

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Aviation answered a Question on one aspect of this matter last week, and the answer which I have given is in reply to my hon. Friend's Question about the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany imposing any restriction. Of course, if B.E.A. or an independent operator wants to carry out certain flights, there are a number of international arrangements with which it has to comply.

Dame Irene Ward

Can my right hon. Friend explain what the international arrangements are with which it has to comply? Can Great Britain's airways be put in the same position as those of other countries in this connection? Will my right hon. Friend please stand up for British interests?

Mr. Heath

Of course we will stand up for British interests, but I think that it is a matter for British European Airways itself to put forward an application and try to make the necessary arrangements.