§ 3. Mr. Fortescueasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will seek so to amend the Civil Aviation (Licensing) Regulations that the Air Transport Licensing Board has the power to investigate fully and publicly the reasons why various airlines show wide variations in profitability on various routes.
§ Mr. FortescueIn view of that reply, will the President of the Board of Trade say whether, in his opinion, such a power would be properly vested in any other body but the A.T.L.B., or whether it would be desirable for its own sake? Is he aware that it is the practice of the United States to have this power also?
§ Mr. JayThe Question relates to the powers of the A.T.L.B. Whether some other authority, perhaps my Department, should have such powers is another question.
§ Mr. R. CarrBut is it not difficult for the right hon. Gentleman to decide, on an appeal from the A.T.L.B., whether for example, domestic fare increases are justified if he has not proper information about the profitability and efficiency of the different airlines?