§ 2. Mr. Shepherdasked the Minister of Aviation if he will state the average cost per mile of seats on British domestic air routes and European air routes.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsI assume the hon. Member is asking about the cost of travel to the passenger. Fares vary by route, by time of day and by season and an average fare can be misleading. However, in the financial year ended 31st March, 1964, British European Airway's average revenue per passenger mile was 5.3 pence per mile on domestic routes and 6.5 pence per mile on international routes.
§ Mr. ShepherdSince a very heavy duty has to be paid upon spirit used for internal flights, which must add a very considerable cost to operations, how is it that there is much higher yield from domestic fares? Is it because of the restrictive arrangements of the I.A.T.A.?
§ Mr. JenkinsI think that the hon. Gentleman is mistaken. There is not a much higher yield. The cost is higher on international routes although, in the case of the cost to the operator, the reverse is true.