§ 1. Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met representatives of British Airport Authority staff.
§ The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. John Moore)I have not met representatives of BAA staff.
§ Mr. HughesDoes that not show contempt for the people who work in the BAA and have given a lifetime of service to build up the company to what it is now? As the Secretary of State is negotiating to sell the business over their heads, would it not be courteous for him to meet them and discuss their problems and anxieties about the future?
§ Mr. MooreThe hon. Gentleman is a fair-minded man, so he will not mind my reminding him that I have not been asked by the staff whether I wish to see them. As the hon. Gentleman probably knows from his knowledge of my Department, no such meeting has ever taken place in the history of the BAA. Beyond that, the letter of 28 July from the chairman of the BAA to the joint staff showed the extent to which there had been full consultation, but if the staff wish to see me on any matters which come within my purview and responsibility I shall, of course, be delighted to see them.
§ Mr. SteenWhen my right hon. Friend meets the chairman of the BAA will he remind him that it is Government policy to ensure competition, which means competition between British Airways and the independent airlines, and that allowing the BAA to indulge in unfair competition or restrictive practices is not Government policy and is frowned upon by Ministers?
§ Mr. MooreThe main question relates to potential meetings with BAA staff, but I am sure that the chairman of the BAA is fully aware of the Government's attitude and comitment to a policy of competition.