HC Deb 25 March 1970 vol 798 c1404
3. Mr. Onslow

asked the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has formed of the cost to the British Airports Authority and to British airline operators of the strike of firemen at London Airport, Heathrow.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. Goronwy Roberts)

It is not possible to give an authoritative figure at this stage. but the net income loss to the British Airports Authority and the Air Corporations together may be of the order of £½ million. This figure includes an estimate of earnings foregone as well as various extra costs. I have no figures for British independent or foreign airlines.

Mr. Onslow

Is the Minister aware that the country has some cause to be grateful to those who helped to ensure that the loss was not a great deal more than the figure he has given? Would he agree that it is intolerable that a small group of politically-motivated men should be able to hold the public to ransom in this way?

Mr. Roberts

Everyone would agree with the hon. Gentleman's proposition, and would look forward to a happy outcome of the extant inquiry.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

Would it not be as well if workers like these were treated as generously and expeditiously as the chairmen of nationalised boards, such as Aubrey Jones? If they were treated on the same basis, there would be no strikes.

Mr. Roberts

All workers, whatever their function and status, should be treated generously and expeditiously.