GOODS AND SERVICES REFERRED TO IN SECTION 16 (Hansard, 18 July 1973)

§ Sir G. Howe
I beg to move, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said amendment.

§ Mr. Deputy Speaker
With this we are to take the following Lords Amendments:

§ Sir G. Howe
This trio of amendments is designed to correct an anomaly in relation to airlines. As the Bill stood, provision was made in relation to air services in Schedule 5 and in Schedule 7. When these amendments are made it will be possible for the director, under Clause 16, to make a reference to the CPAC of a consumer trade practice relating not only to private airlines but also to State-owned airlines.
On the other hand, the restriction on the power of the director to make a monopoly reference under Schedule 7 will remain and will extend to civil aviation services generally, to the carriage of passengers or goods by air. The way is open for references under Clause 16 in relation to private or State-owned airlines, but the director will be excluded from the right to make references under Schedule 7 in relation to private as well as State-owned airlines.

§ Mr. Millan
As this kind of matter about the nationalised industries was discussed extensively in Committee, we agree with the amendment. It is satisfactory that the nationalised airlines should now be subject to reference.
667 It is slightly ironic that when the Bill was in another place the nationalised airlines established consumer consultative councils. We very much welcome that.
Lady Burton has carried on a considerable campaign on this issue, with particular reference to the closure of the West London air terminal. As it happens, I have also made representations to British European Airways about its decision. I am glad that BEA has established a consumer council. Even so, the amendment is desirable because it puts the nationalised airlines on the same basis as the private airlines.