§ 4. Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Minister of Aviation what has been the cost to the national airlines over the past year of reduced fares for emigrants.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation (Mr. John Stonehouse)I do not agree that emigrant fares involve a cost to British Overseas Airways Corporation. But for these reduced fares the bulk of these emigrants would not have gone by air. British Overseas Airways Corporation consider this traffic constitutes a worthwhile source of additional revenue.
§ Mr. LewisCan the hon. Gentleman say why this has been stopped from the end of July? Are the Government worried that there might be such a rush to get out of the country owing to the present Administration that they have clamped down on this scheme?
§ Mr. StonehouseNo. This is simply a question for B.O.A.C. which considers that it is useful to provide the lower priced tickets for seats that would not be used by those paying full fare. There is no loss involved to B.O.A.C. in continuing this practice.