HL Deb 30 November 1971 vol 326 cc143-4

2.47 p.m.

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

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 are in a position to make a Statement concerning the introduction of cheaper air fares in Europe and, if not, when they expect to be able to do so.]

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, the IATA negotiations on European air fares have been resumed in Geneva to-day. If the discussions lead to an agreement, early details should be available before Christmas but full details may not be available until January.

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My Lords, in thanking the noble Lord for that Answer may I ask him whether, when agreement has been reached, a Statement will be made in this House and whether we can be informed in advance? May I secondly ask him whether the Government are giving full support to the B.E.A. application, which I believe is for a 50 per cent. reduction on the normal tourist fares in Europe?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, I think it would not be normal for a Statement as such to be made on this matter, but if the noble Baroness would care to put down another Question after the conference has ended I am sure we shall be able to give her the information that she requires. Her Majesty's Government are giving support to B.E.A. and the other representatives at this conference.

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My Lords, may I ask one further question on that? I am very glad that the Government are giving support to B.E.A., but is the noble Earl able to say whether this support is conditional upon advance notice being given by customers who wish to purchase these tickets, or whether customers will be able to purchase the tickets, as they can across the North Atlantic, without due notice, under the agreement recently reached?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, that is of course a detail which the conference will be discussing; but it is the Government's intention to give support for any proposals for lower air fares consistent with the viability of the operation.