§ 8. Mr. R. Carrasked the President of the Board of Trade what are the reasons for the fall in the British share of air traffic on the North Atlantic route carried on scheduled services; and what action he proposes to reverse this trend.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuI would hesitate to assign reasons to relatively small changes in B.O.A.C.s share of this traffic, so much of which orginates in North America. I do not believe that the trend is other than marginal and temporary or that action by the Board of Trade with a view to reversing it, is necessary. B.O.A.C. has the determination, and will have the capacity, to do so itself.
§ Mr. CarrCan the Minister give the House some reason why he believes that this trend is only temporary? This is of great importance. Secondly, does not he agree that if only B.O.A.C. had more adequate capacity today and had not cancelled the super-VC1Os the trend would be different?
§ Mr. MallalieuOne reason for the temporary fall in our share is the difficulty that we experienced with the Boeings which had to be put in for modification, and also the loss of one Boeing. On the question of capacity, B.O.A.C. last month took a new super VC10. Another is coming in in October, three more next year and three the year after, which should provide adequate capacity.