HL Deb 13 March 1973 vol 340 cc149-50
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 will make a Statement concerning the recommendation from European Governments that existing air fares should continue in force on North Atlantic routes; whether it is correct that this fares structure includes cheap excursion rates of £164.50 return for a 14- to 21-day excursion and £124.95 for a 22- to 45-day excursion; and, if so, whether it is correct that these fares were never accepted on the American side.

THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD DRUMALBYN)

My Lords, on the first part of the Question, I have nothing to add to my reply to the noble Baroness when her Question was dealt with last Thursday. On the second part, it is correct for the peak season—July, August, September; on the third part, it is not correct.

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My Lords, that certainly is not a long reply. May I ask the Minister whether he is aware that the schedule airlines— not only our own—are disturbed at the failure to reach agreement on cheaper scheduled fares; and does he not agree that failure to do so will divert the traffic from the schedule airlines to the charter airlines?

LORD DRUMALBYN

My Lords, with great respect to the noble Baroness, that is a totally different question from the one on the Order Paper and it is one which I thought we had debated last Thursday on her Unstarred Question.

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My Lords, then may I ask the Minister this: does he not feel that the schedule airlines of Europe and of America should get together and try to reach some formula on cheaper scheduled fares before the summer is over?

LORD DRUMALBYN

My Lords, as I have indicated to the noble Baroness, I think there is no chance of that happening As I told her, we are endeavouring to reach agreement to hold the present fares until October 31, but of course before that time we shall have to consider what further steps should be taken.

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