HL Deb 19 October 1972 vol 335 cc2007-9
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 progress was made at the recent annual meeting of IATA held in London on the desirability of providing individual excursion fares for air travellers in view of the statement by the Prime Minister that it was for IATA to make sure that the benefits of travel were made available to as many people as possible and as cheaply as possible; and if they will make a Statement.

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY (THE EARL OF LIMERICK)

My Lords, the speech of my right honourable friend the Prime Minister to the IATA annual general meeting left no doubt about Her Majesty's Government's view on the desirability of simple and inexpensive air transport on international routes. This annual general meeting was a comparatively short meeting at which no detailed fare discussions took place. Discussions on fares are at present taking place among the airlines at Torremolinos. As the noble Baroness knows, the Civil Aviation Authority are responsible for the consideration and approval of air fares. I understand that they are keeping in touch with the discussions, and would, I am sure, be glad to give the noble Baroness any information they can.

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My Lords, I thank the noble Earl. While finding no indication in the Prime Minister's speech that his suggestions should be limited to the North Atlantic routes, could the Minister say whether the IATA discussions in Torremolinos, adjourned, I believe, until November 8, will include the matter of part charters in Europe?

THE EARL OF LIMERICK

My Lords, these matters are under consideration. As the noble Baroness will know, arrangements of this sort require the agreement not only of the airlines but of the Gov ernments at both ends of the route. Initially the invitation to apply for licences concerned the North Atlantic and Caribbean, but it is to be hoped that it will be extended at a later date to other routes as well.

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My Lords, in thanking the Minister for that reply, and taking it that he said that part charters in Europe will be discussed at Torremolinos, may I ask him whether he realises that what is required is an advance booking scheme by which individual members of the public, prepared to book, say, three months in advance, may be able to reserve seats on scheduled flights anywhere? And would the Government emphasise to IATA the words of the Prime Minister: If scheduled carriers do not provide simple and inexpensive transport, these passengers wilt look elsewhere and no-one could blame them.

THE EARL OF LIMERICK

My Lords, I think the emphasis to IATA was given by the Prime Minister himself. This statement received a great deal of publicity and undoubtedly would have been carefully noted. The question of seats on scheduled services is of course quite a different one, but the noble Baroness will know that there are many facilities currently available. I would mention "Early bird" fares to Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, already in existence, Apex advanced purchase excursion fares available to points in Scandinavia, and the Ipex scheme which is available to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. There are many facilities of this sort currently available on scheduled airlines.

LORD HARVEY OF PRESTBURY

My Lords, does not my noble friend agree that the British air operators are to be congratulated on taking the lead in this matter among world operators, and could every encouragement be given to apply the same treatment elsewhere?

THE EARL OF LIMERICK

My Lords, I entirely agree with my noble friend.

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, would the noble Earl convey to his noble colleague, Lord Boyd-Carpenter, that the steps he has taken to clear up the mess of the affinity groups are wholly welcome; but would he also bear in mind that there is much to be done if the Prime Minister's admirable objective in regard to individual fare-paying passengers is to be achieved? And as the Prime Minister made such an excellent speech on this matter recently, would he advise his right honourable friend in future to confine his speeches to this sphere?

THE EARL OF LIMERICK

My Lords, dealing with the first part of the supplementary question by the noble Lord, Lord Beswick, yes, I will certainly ensure that the attention of my noble friend Lord Boyd-Carpenter is drawn to this point.

LORD HAWKE

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether he would advise his colleague, the Prime Minister, to make a similar speech to British Rail?