HL Deb 26 July 1972 vol 333 cc1355-6
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 what powers they have to request the holding of an inquiry into passenger problems resulting from the withdrawal of check-in facilities at the West London Air Terminal.

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, my right honourable friend has no such powers, but means of avoiding the inconvenience about which the noble Baroness is concerned will be considered.

BARONESS BURTON or COVENTRY

My Lords, riot being accustomed to satisfactory replies, may I thank the noble Earl for what would at this stage, appear to be one? May I also ask him whether he is aware that I greatly appreciate the patience, tolerance, and co-operation that he has shown in this whole matter? Having said all those nice things, I wonder whether the noble Earl could give the House any further details about his reply? Does it mean that this withdrawal of check-in facilities at Gloucester Road is to be deferred until further inquiry has been made?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, I am more than delighted that the noble Baroness considers that I have given her a satisfactory reply. I thought that was going to be impossible from her point of view. I understand from B.E.A. that the trade union and staff representatives were invited to take part in a joint study upon which they could submit alternative proposals by September 8 for measures to achieve cost savings of comparable value with those estimated to be achieved by the withdrawal of check-in facilities. No action to implement the management plans will be taken until the proposals from the joint study have been fully considered.

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My Lords, may I just ask two brief supplementary questions on that reply? I have no wish to disturb the harmony of the proceedings. First, does the noble Earl think it likely that consumer inconvenience will be considered as well as the money involved in this matter? Secondly, when the House resumes, which may be in September, perhaps I may put down a Question, and we might be told the result of this further discussion?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, I am sure that it would not need my agreement to encourage the noble Baroness to put down a Question. Whether or not consumer inconvenience will be discussed I would not be prepared to say, but I cannot believe that it would go unconsidered.

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