8. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Aviation, if he will use the internationally-recognised term, "Transit", instead of, "Transfer", on all notices at London's airports which refer to air travellers in transit.
§ Mr. StonehouseYes, Sir. The terms "Transit" and "Transfer" have distinct internationally recognised meanings. Each is already used as appropriate, except where clarity of direction is best obtained by the single sign "Transfer".
Mr. Gresham CookeIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that when the foreign traveller arrives in London Airport and has a choice of going into immigration or to transit, instead of the internationally accepted term "Transit" he is met with the term "Transfer"? Those travellers who do not know English very well—good old English terms— 1733 really should be met with the word "Transit" which is universally understood.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe two signs are approved by the International Air Transport Association. "Transfer" means transfer from one flight to another—another aeroplane altogether—and the airlines themselves have asked that this sign, on its own, should be used, particularly in the Europa Building at Heathrow, so that there will not be any confusion for passengers who do not apply in this particular case, where most transfers take place.