§ 16. Mr. Tebbitasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied that no obligations are laid upon British airlines which place them under a competitive disability when compared with foreign carriers.
§ Mr. DellObligations and costs incurred by airlines frequently differ as between one country and another. I know of no reason to think that British airlines are placed at any significant disadvantage.
§ Mr. TebbitWill the right hon. Gentleman avoid the temptation to shuffle responsibility on to somebody else? Does he think it fair or unfair that British carriers, and British carriers alone, are to be liable to a penalty for overbooking?
§ Mr. DellI am not shuffling any of my responsibility on to anybody. I understand that the overbooking system, which is being dealt with in respect of British airlines through the licensing system, will be dealt with voluntarily in the case of foreign airlines. I hope that they 17 will see that to do so is in their own interests. I am prepared to examine the matter further if the hon. Gentleman thinks that appropriate.
§ Sir S. McAddenHas the Minister's attention been drawn to the fact that considerable facilities have been provided to Irish airlines to transport horses and so on, facilities which have not been available to British airlines? Does he not appreciate that British airlines are capable of providing this service if only the Department does not put obstacles in their way?
§ Mr. Russell KerrIs my right hon. Friend aware that this example of farsightedness by the British Government will be widely welcomed throughout the country as yet another sign that British aviation leads the way?
§ Mr. MartenIs not overbooking a matter of basic contract between carrier and passenger and has not the passenger a right of action against the carrier?
§ Mr. DellIn view of the questions that have been put to me, I am prepared to look at the matter again to see whether there is any further action that it is appropriate for us to take.