§ LORD JACQUESMy 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 genuine affinity clubs which have faithfully adhered to the regulations, rendered excellent service to their members and brought business to British airlines will be able to continue to arrange charter flights for their members in the future.
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD DRUMALBYN)My Lords, I am informed by the Civil Aviation Authority that these groups will be able to continue to organise travel provided that they comply with the provisions coming into force on April 1 with regard to the licensing of air travel organisers. Affinity groups will be able to travel on flights to Canada until June 30, 1973, and on flights to the Caribbean until December 31, 1973. On routes between this country and the United States of 495 America, affinity group charters will continue for the time being while arrangements for the new advance booking scheme are being finalised between the respective Government authorities.
§ LORD JACQUESMy Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. Is he aware that there are genuine affinity groups in which long-distance travel is an essential element? Will licences be readily available to such groups, and what is likely to be the cost of the licences?
§ LORD DRUMALBYNMy Lords, the licences will be available provided that the Civil Aviation is satisfied as to the applicant's fitness and financial resources and that the applicants pay the charge for the grant of a licence, which will be £250 plus 2p per passenger per journey authorised.