§ 28. Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of Aviation if in the public interest he will give a general direction 23 to British European Airways not to have more than five seats abreast in the Vanguard.
§ 35. Captain Orrasked the Minister of Aviation if he will give a general direction to British European Airways not to have more than five seats abreast in the Vanguard.
§ Mr. MartenNo, sir.
§ Mr. Stratton MillsCould my hon. Friend confirm that this aircraft was originally designed by the manufacturers, in the interests of safety and comfort, to have five seats abreast and not six abreast as B.E.A. has at present? Could he give the reason for this change?
§ Mr. MartenI am afraid that I personally cannot confirm that because I do not know the answer to it. However, I will take up the matter and write to my hon. Friend. The question of whether there should be six or five abreast is a management matter within B.E.A.'s commercial discretion. The statutory powers of general direction are not appropriate to this particular problem.
§ Captain OrrCan my hon. Friend say whether it is B.E.A.'s intention to introduce the six-a-side Vanguard in competition with the Caravelle, or are the slum conditions being reserved for the home traveller?
§ Mr. MartenNot at all. The Vanguards are operating on the route to Paris. When I went to the Paris Air Show, I travelled tourist class six-a-side and I was quite comfortable.