§ 19. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Minister of Aviation what is his policy regarding competition between private air companies on the one hand and British European Airways and the British Overseas Airways Corporation on the other.
§ Mr. J. AmeryCompetition should be regulated in accordance with the Civil Aviation (Licensing) Act, 1960.
§ Mr. HyndIs the Minister being fair to the Government-owned B.E.A. and B.O.A.C. as against the private companies? For example, are the Government 884 companies being allowed to tender for trooping?
§ Mr. AmeryAs I told the House some time ago, we are at present considering the question of trooping. Both sides corn-plain of unfairness, and this seems to me to be a pretty good certification of the fairness we have towards each.
§ Mr. CroninIs it not an anomalous situation that, as a result of pooling agreements, B.E.A. is co-ordinating with foreign airlines and yet competing fiercely with British independent air aviation? Is this conducive to the satisfactory interests of the British aircraft industry?
§ Mr. AmeryThe pattern of competition is extremely intricate in these matters. There are pooling arrangements between B.E.A. and certain continental airlines. There are also aspects in which B.E.A. is in sharp competition with continental airlines. There are also aspects in which it is in competition with independent British airlines.