§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy 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 are aware of the dissatisfaction felt by consumer organisations and air line travellers in general at the lack of mention of consumer interests in the Civil Aviation Bill as at present drafted; and if they will make a statement.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (LORD SANDFORD)My Lords, the Bill provides that the primary objective of the Civil Aviation Authority shall be to secure that British airlines provide air transport services which satisfy all substantial categories of public demand. The policy to guide the Authority, which will require the approval of both Houses, will also oblige the Authority to consult as widely as possible those who are interested in consumer affairs and to set up whatever machinery it considers appropriate for safeguarding the interests of air travellers.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy Lords, I am quite aware of that; it is what the noble Earl, Lord Ferrers, told me last week. What I am really trying to press on the Government is this. Are they aware that I am not suggesting that any additional machinery should be set up; neither am I suggesting that the Authority, when it is set up, will not make these inquiries. What I am asking the Government to do 576 is to appoint a board member with responsibility for consumer affairs—not only for complaints—so that these matters can be presented adequately and expertly to the board. Can the noble Lord press that once more on his right honourable friend?
§ LORD SANDFORDMy Lords, I will certainly undertake to see that what the noble Baroness has just said is taken into account and fully considered. I have little doubt that it will already have been, because she has pressed it so eloquently on so many other, earlier occasions. But the noble Baroness will recognise that we are just about to debate the Civil Aviation Bill, and at each of its four stages she will have an opportunity to make the point again. She will also have an opportunity to make the point a fifth time if she is not by then satisfied, when the policy document comes before your Lordships' House for approval.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether he will ask his noble friend who is responsible for the Bill to realise what a wonderful gesture it would be if he could announce satisfaction at the Second Reading next week, and save my having to raise the matter four or five times?
§ LORD SANDFORDYes, certainly, my Lords. But, on the other hand, I think the noble Baroness will agree that there are purposes to be fulfilled in this Bill other than satisfying the noble Baroness.