HL Deb 05 August 1971 vol 323 cc1261-2

12.15 p.m.

THE EARL OF ARRAN

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 it is true that:—

  1. (a) the lack of postal and telegraphic facilities in Terminal No. 1 at Heathrow is due to a dispute between the British Airports Authority and the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications;
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  2. (b) this lack of facilities is causing many passengers, especially foreign journalists, to use Terminal No. 2, thereby depriving B.E.A. (which uses Terminal No. 1) of much traffic; and
  3. (c) the Minister undertook through the Telephone Manager of the London Western Area almost two years ago to supply adequate postal and telegraphic facilities in Terminal No. 1.]

LORD DENHAM

My Lords, the provision of postal and telegraphic facilities at Heathrow is a matter for the Post Office and the British Airports Authority, and my right honourable friend the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications has not been involved in a dispute with the Authority.

THE EARL OF ARRAN

My Lords, are Her Majesty's Government aware that under the Post Office Act 1969, Section 11(1) and (2), the Minister of Posts has power to give directions of a general nature to the Post Office? Similarly, are Her Majesty's Government aware that under the Airports Authority Act 1965 the Minister of Trade and Industry has powers to give similar directions of a general nature to the British Airport Authority? May I ask whether, between them, the Ministers concerned will in the public interest sort out this unseemly interdepartmental wrangle?

LORD DENHAM

No, my Lords, it would not be appropriate for the Ministers to give general directions in a case of this kind; but I can tell the noble Earl that negotiations between the Post Office and the British Airports Authority seem to be nearing completion.

THE EARL OF ARRAN

My Lords, while I am very glad to hear that, may I hope that the promise given 15 months ago will be implemented?

LORD DENHAM

My Lords, I think that the noble Earl is talking about the time before the Post Office Act came into force, and my right honourable friend does not now have the authority that the Postmaster General had in those days.