HL Deb 15 June 1966 vol 275 cc61-2

2.56 p.m.

LORD MACPHERSON OF DRUMOCHTER

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will give a report on the services of B.E.A. within the British Isles, and whether, in particular, they will state how many flights have been delayed or cancelled since January 1, 1966.]

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, I am afraid that information about the punctuality and regularity of B.E.A.'s domestic services in the period mentioned is not available in the precise form in which the noble Lord requires. I am informed, however, that over the period January to May, 1966, 86 per cent. of all domestic passenger services departed within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. In the same period 1 per cent. of all domestic flights were cancelled, giving a regularity figure of 99 per cent.

LORD MACPHERSON OF DRUMOCHTER

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware of the tremendous inconvenience caused by the delays that are experienced on these internal flights by overseas visitors, the business community and the public as a whole? I should like to ask the noble Lord whether Her Majesty's Government would get together with B.E.A. and try to improve the service which is currently being given.

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, the Corporation are very much aware of the need to improve upon their punctuality and regularity figure. I am assured that they are doing all they possibly can, and if the noble Lord has any complaint about a particular service, if he would care to take this up, as he could do, with the Chairman of B.E.A., I am sure he would get every satisfaction.

TILE EARL OF SWINTON

My Lords, while sympathising with the Question which has been asked, may I ask the noble Lord whether it would not cause much more inconvenience to foreign travellers if B.E.A. took the risk of flying when there was danger? They have a tremendous responsibility, which I suggest must rest with them. There would be much more inconvenience to foreign visitors if they encountered a serious accident.

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, I quite agree with the noble Earl. B.E.A. have a wonderful safety record, and I am sure that we are all proud of it. I could say to the noble Lord sitting on this side of the House that part of the trouble has been concerned with the provision of engine spares. The fact of the matter is that, although noble Lords in this House were a short time ago debating the expected demise of the aircraft industry, Rolls-Royce, an aircraft engine firm, are at the present time working to absolute capacity, and there has been some delay in their provision of spares. But I understand that they are now getting the situation under control and are, in fact, extending their facilities in Northern Ireland for this purpose.

LORD SALTOUN

My Lords, as one who has been diverted several times, involving night journeys in most cases, I should like to ask Her Majesty's Government whether the British public does not owe a great debt of gratitude to B.E.A. for the way in which they are diverted and for the care the Corporation take of their passengers and their crews?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, I will see that this is brought to the attention of the Corporation.