HC Deb 06 February 1978 vol 943 cc1015-6
20. Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what recent discussions on air services between the United Kingdom and Australia have taken place at ministerial level.

Mr. Clinton Davis

I held discussions on air services, among other things, with Mr. Peter Nixon, the Australian Minister of Transport, on 23rd January during his visit to this country.

Mr. McCrindle

Is it correct that the plans recently submitted by Qantas and British Airways for a further reduction in the minimum fare between Britain and Australia are quite likely to be introduced shortly but that the application by Laker Airways for even lower fares is likely to be postponed indefinitely? As the Department of Trade is now a self-confessed fan of Freddie Laker, can the Minister take any steps in the reasonably near future towards encouraging Laker to start this service, for which there is a very sizeable potential market?

Mr. Davis

The hon. Gentleman has apparently misunderstood the situation. The Australian Government are currently involved in a civil aviation policy review, which will not be determined until the end of March. My understanding is that there will be no advance in the provision of services of either kind until the Australian Government have made up their minds on this issue. Mr. Laker's application to the Civil Aviation Authority was adjourned sine die precisely in order to enable the lines of Australian policy to emerge.

Mr. Adley

Is not Singapore a vital part of the route to Australia for the new Concorde service? Just what steps are the Government taking to oppose the ridiculous moves by Malaysia to vent its spite on Singapore Airlines by preventing Singapore Airlines from flying Concorde between Singapore and London?

Mr. Davis

We are engaged in discussions and negotiations with the Malaysians. To try to hot up the situation along the lines the hon. Gentleman suggests would do nobody any good.