HC Deb 23 October 1968 vol 770 cc1283-4
55. Mr. Bessell

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will introduce legislation to enable him to improve the standards of cleanliness in the terminal buildings at all airports under the control of the Airports Authority and to introduce efficient catering services.

Mr. William Rodgers

I do not necessarily accept the implied criticism of the present position but in this case this is not an appropriate subject for legislation. It is a matter of day-to-day management.

Mr. Bessell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that following some recent comments of mine I have received overwhelming support for my contention, and that by comparison with Kennedy and other international airports conditions at Heathrow are a disgrace? Will he reconsider his Answer?

Mr. Rodgers

In the first place, although the hon. Gentleman has made very clear his own particular experience, and although he may have found some support, there are others who would take a different view and feel that those who work at London Airport in difficult conditions do a first-rate job. On the second point, I think it right that we should recognise those matters which are appropriate to this House, involving legislation, and those which are appropriate to management. For this reason, I think that the management should be left to carry on with its job.

Mr. Alfred Morris

Would my hon. Friend recommend all airports to emulate the very high standards in these respects of the municipally owned and controlled Manchester Airport?

Mr. Rodgers

I am aware of the very high standard at Manchester and elsewhere. Perhaps I should say that if hon. Members have constructive suggestions about how matters might be improved and where in any way they fall short, I am sure that the British Airports Authority and municipal authorities would be only too happy to receive them.

Sir A. V. Harvey

While I appreciate that the British Airports Authority has been in existence for only a comparatively short time, is the hon. Gentleman nevertheless not aware that many people think that London Airport is the worst shop window in London? Surely it goes back to the original design and trying to situate everything in the centre of the airport. Will he institute an inquiry to improve the ghastly state of affairs whereby even today people have to travel to and from aircraft in out-of-date charabancs with passageways less than a foot wide?

Mr. Rodgers

I agree that in a number of respects the design of London Airport falls short, but the supplementary question goes wide of the Question about cleanliness.

Mr. Bessell

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will raise the subject on the Adjournment.