HC Deb 25 February 1970 vol 796 cc1193-4
43. Mr. Forrester

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to improve the published statistical information on civil aviation.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Two new Business Monitors give figures of the number of passengers, analysed by routes, on international and domestic services. I hope to obtain and publish fuller financial accounts for the industry and to publish further information on freight traffic.

Mr. Forrester

When can we expect the financial statistics to be published?

Mr. Roberts

I could not give a date. Forms have been sent out to the airlines asking for financial data for 1968. When the replies are received we shall consult the industry as to the proper form in which we shall publish them.

Mr. Corfield

Will the Minister bear in mind the utmost importance of having really up-to-date financial information from the civil airlines made available to the public almost as promptly as it is available to the various authorities?

Mr. Roberts

I am very glad that the hon. Member mentioned the question of the timeliness of publication. We are asking for information about 1968. I am not satisfied with this. However, it is not very easy to bring forward an examination of this sort, involving detailed figures, beyond 12 months before the date of publication.