§ 15. Mr. Hastingsasked the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the number of flights on scheduled services now likely to be cancelled by the British Overseas Airways Corporation during 1967 and of the loss of revenue which this represents.
§ Mr. JayI understand that B.O.A.C. now envisages a total of 37, instead of its earlier estimate of 54, round trip cancellations during 1967, a reduction of 17. Against this, eight additional flights to Canada are planned. B.O.A.C. estimates that the possible net loss of revenue will not exceed £150,000.
§ Mr. HastingsBut do not the latest Interavia figures show that the seats 1583 offered and passengers carried in the first two months of this year compared with 1966 are definitely down? In order to avoid the loss of valuable foreign exchange, will the right hon. Gentleman consider advising the Corporation to charter aircraft to meet its schedules until the fleet is re-established?
§ Mr. JayThat is something which should be left to B.O.A.C., but as I have explained before the number of flights affected is exceedingly small in relation to B.O.A.C.'s total operations.