HC Deb 20 November 1963 vol 684 cc972-3
17. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Aviation if he is aware that the British Overseas Airways Corporation and British European Airways are making margins of profit on liquor and, cigarettes many times that practised in the trades concerned; and if he will, in the public interest, issue a general direction forbidding this.

Mr. Marten

The price charged for cigarettes and liquor is entirely a matter for the Corporations.

The answer to the second part of the Question is "No, Sir".

Sir J. Langford-Holt

That will not do. Is my hon. Friend aware that this applies not only to B.O.A.C., but to every airline operator to whom he gives permission to operate from London Airport? Is it not quite wrong that these airline operators should use a large duty concession which they get when selling cigarettes not for passing it on to the public, but for their own use?

Mr. Marten

I sympathise with my hon. Friend a great deal, but it is up to the discretion of the airline to charge what price it thinks it can commercially charge. As for giving a directive, it would be entirely inappropriate to apply the statutory powers of general permission under Section 5 of the Air Corporations Act to the pricing arrangements in question. These powers may be used only in relation to matters affecting the national interest.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

In that case, would my hon. Friend consider giving facilities for traders who will pass on this concession to operate at London Airport so that it can be passed on to passengers?

Mr. Marten

No. I do not think that that falls within the bounds of my Department.