§ 4. Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Aviation how much was spent by British European Airways and the British Overseas Airways Corporation, respectively, during their last financial year on aviation kerosene.
§ Mr. MartenIn the financial year 1963–64, B.O.A.C. spent £12,483,505 and B.E.A. spent £4,854,000 on aviation kerosene.
§ Mr. LubbockDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that these figures show that fuel costs represent a large proportion of the Corporations' operating expenditure? Does he not further agree, in view of the report in 1962 on the relative safety of aviation kerosene and J.P.4, that it is most unfortunate that our nationalised Corporations should be at a disadvantage compared with their foreign competitors by reason of the fact that they use this safer fuel? What additional measures is he taking beyond referring this report to I.C.A.O. to make sure that foreign operators coming into this country use the safer fuel?
§ Mr. MartenIt is largely a matter for the airlines concerned. We have, however, as the hon. Member said, referred the question to the I.C.A.O. British airlines in fact use very little J.P.4. B.O.A.C. spent only £6,000 on it in the financial year 1963–64 and B.E.A. used none at all. If use were to increase we should have to look at the regulations.
§ Mr. LubbockWould the hon. Gentleman appreciate that what I am asking him to do is to use his influence with I.C.A.O. to see that foreign operators also use the safer fuel so that our Corporations are not at a disadvantage compared with their competitors?
§ Mr. MartenWe have endeavoured to use our influence but have not been successful.