HC Deb 12 February 1969 vol 777 cc1315-7
10 and 11. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the President of the Board of Trade, (1) why he has declined to refer to the National Board for Prices and Incomes the fact that Fortes duty-free shop buys gin at 5s. 2½d. per bottle and sells it at 16s. 6d. per bottle, a profit of 217 per cent.;

(2) why he has declined to refer to the National Board for Prices and Incomes the fact that Fortes duty-free shop at Heathrow buys whisky at 9s. 2d. per bottle and sells at 22s. 6d. per bottle, a profit of 145 per cent.

Mr. William Rodgers

These goods are sold only to people about to leave the United Kingdom. They are, in effect, therefore, exports and do not influence the domestic cost of living.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Is not the whole principle of the National Board for Prices and Incomes to be obeyed by the British Airports Authority like everybody else? Is not the Minister of State aware that the Authority charges exorbitant prices for the concessions and then compels the concessionaires to charge equally exorbitant prices to the public?

Mr. Rodgers

This arrangement ensures that goods are cheaper to the consumer than they would be in the ordinary shops. It is an arrangement valuable for exports. It is rewarding to the public purse. It is one which seems acceptable to private enterprise. It seems fair enough to me.

Mr. Shinwell

Why should people who are leaving Britain for a short absence have this privilege while those who stay here have no such privilege? Could my hon. Friend arrange to have a duty-free shop in the House of Commons?

Mr. Rodgers

My wish is certainly to extend rather than restrict privileges, but that is not a matter for my Department.

Mr. Bessell

Does the Minister of State consider it reasonable that the Authority should insist upon high prices in this manner? Is he aware that these prices compare very unfavourably with those at other airports throughout the world? Does he not consider that the whole matter is a disgrace?

Mr. Rodgers

I know the hon. Gentleman's feelings about the British Airports Authority and the persistent way in which he has been pursuing certain matters which he has previously believed to be wrong. I do not think that this is a disgrace. It is a proper management matter, and the present arrangement is beneficial to a number of people, including the public at large and all those who have an interest in the Authority as a public enterprise.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

On a point of order. May I give notice that I regretfully will have to raise this matter on the Adjournment, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply?

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