HC Deb 21 January 1974 vol 867 cc1196-7
24. Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with British Airways regarding the continuation of facilities at West London Air Terminal.

Mr. Onslow

My hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace and Shipping wrote to the British Airways Board on 21st December to draw its attention to the motion on this subject approved in another place the previous day. The board accordingly considered at its meeting of 28th December whether it should defer the proposed withdrawal of the check-in facilities at the terminal, but it concluded that there was a compelling case for bringing the new arrangements at the terminal into operation as planned on 1st January.

Mr. Bishop

Is the Minister aware that among the reasons given by British Airways for the closure of the check-in facilities were the facts that more people were using private cars to get to London Airport and that the coaches used to convey passengers were often delayed, thus holding up flights? In view of the changed fuel situation, those two reasons are no longer valid. Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the concern expressed in another place, where the vote went overwhelmingly against the proposal to make a change? How much money does British Airways hope to save by the change? Is there any estimate of the cost to the public in missed flights and so on as a result of flights leaving earlier than they would normally leave? Will the Minister assure the House that he will have further discussions with British Airways to convey to it the feeling of both Houses on the matter?

Mr. Onslow

I am not sure whether the hon. Gentleman is right when he speaks of the feeling of both Houses. It is true that my original reply took note of the fact that the other place had taken, as it was entitled to do, a view on this matter. That view does not necessarily bind this House.

The hon. Gentleman might like to know that the arrangements have been working for only three weeks, and it is, of course, too early to draw any firm conclusions. There is little evidence of complaints from passengers. There is some evidence that the number of passengers using the terminal has increased. We are keeping a close watch on the situation. I hope very much that the hon. Gentleman will feel inclined to let the results speak for themselves.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is strong feeling on both sides of the House that British Airways has been insensitive to consumer demand? Will he confirm that it is losing over £500,000 a year revenue which it no longer gets from foreign airlines which have been denied check-in facilities at West London?

Mr. Onslow

This is essentially a commercial matter which is the responsibility of the British Airways Board. Parliament has not given my right hon. Friend a power of direction which could apply in such a case. It is generally the wish of the House that nationalised industries should, so far as possible, be left free to decide these matters for themselves as best they can and meet the needs of their customers.