HC Deb 28 January 1970 vol 794 cc1538-9
23. Mr. Fortescue

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give a general direction to British European Airways to discontinue any unremunerative services which an independent operator is ready to replace at his own expense.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

No, Sir.

Mr. Fortescue

Does the Minister recall that for many years British European Airways has made a large operating loss on the Highlands and Islands services which is identified every year in its accounts at its own specific request? Does he not agree that when there is an opportunity for these services to be taken over by an independent operator B.E.A. should welcome that opportunity and divest itself of its loss-making service as soon as possible?

Mr. Roberts

It is surely for the airline concerned to decide which services, if any, it wishes to discontinue or to continue if they are part of its pattern of policy. The hon. Gentleman will have seen the specific mention which we made to the very necessary Highlands and Islands services in the White Paper.

Mr. Rankin

Would my hon. Friend, in any future attempt of this nature, be very careful about seeking to restore the independents at the expense of B.E.A.? Can he give any occasion on which an independent has come forward to offer to run the Western Isles services and make a profit?

Mr. Roberts

There has been none, to my knowledge.

Mr. Corfield

Surely it is clear that basically this is the decision for the licensing authority? Will the Minister give an assurance that it will not be instructed one way or the other but will decide any application which comes before it on its merit?

Mr. Roberts

Any operator can apply for a licence on any route, and the A.T.L.B. considers each application impartially.