HC Deb 17 March 1965 vol 708 cc1247-8
1. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Aviation if he is aware that the recent inclusive tour arrangements by British European Airways have the effect of making it cheaper for British residents to visit the Continent than for continentals to visit Great Britain; and if, in the interests of British tourism, he will try to secure some measure of reciprocity.

The Minister of Aviation (Mr. Roy Jenkins)

I welcome the recent arrangements agreed by European airlines for cheaper inclusive tours on scheduled services which will extend the markets to a wider range of tourists. Because the traffic from this country is at present substantially larger than in the reverse direction, the airlines have so far found it possible to introduce the new arrangements only from this country. I hope, in the interests of increasing tourism to Britain, that they will soon find it commercially feasible to introduce reciprocal arrangements.

Mr. Shepherd

Is it not the case that, if drive, energy and some pressure were applied, the airlines would find such an arrangement commercially possible? This traffic was generated in Britain through the ingenuity largely of private fliers. Should not some pressure be exerted so that this country gets the benefit of trade from the Continent?

Mr. Jenkins

I hope that this will happen. The traffic flows very much outward rather than inward, but I hope that enterprise will be shown.