§ 37. Mr. Croninasked the Minister of Aviation why he authorised foreign operators to increase the number of passengers which they carried to and from the United Kingdom on non-scheduled flights from about 100,000 in 1960 to about 371,000 in 1962.
§ Mr. J. AmeryThese figures cover the inclusive tour charter market which foreign carriers have entered only recently. In authorising this increase we have had regard to the rights enjoyed by our own carriers abroad.
§ Mr. CroninIs it not the case that this tremendous increase in foreign carrying for non-scheduled flights has caused the maximum embarrassment to British airlines and absolute confusion in the charter industry?
§ Mr. AmeryNo, Sir. The hon. Member is rather overstating the case. There has been a substantial increase in the flights provided by the foreign inclusive tour charter aircraft, but our own carriers, of course, enjoy much the larger proportion of this market and we have to be careful to do nothing which would lead to their receiving less than reciprocity abroad.
§ Mr. CroninIs the Minister suggesting that our own carriers are receiving anything like these enormous advantages which he has given to foreign carriers?
§ Mr. AmeryWe have to strike a balance in these things, and we think, on the whole, that if we were more restrictive towards charter tours by foreign airlines we would lose on the deal.