HL Deb 13 June 1974 vol 352 cc613-4
BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first 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 on the retention of check-in facilities for air travellers at the British Airways (B.O.A.C. Division) terminal in Buckingham Palace Road.

THE MINISTER OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY (LORD BESWICK)

My Lords, I understand that British Airways propose to retain the present check-in facilities at the Buckingham Palace Road terminal.

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My Lords, while being surprised and delighted at receiving a satisfactory Answer on this matter, may I ask the Minister, as he said that British Airways have decided to retain the facilities, whether that is an indefinite retention, or whether he can give any time period?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, I should have thought anyone who gave promises of indefinite duration was very badly advised.

LORD HARVEY OF PRESTBURY

My Lords, will the noble Lord go a little further in this matter, bearing in mind that the country is waiting on a decision on Maplin, whether or not the Government decide to go there? I think the indication is not; but if this were so, surely facilities will be required at Heath-row and at Gatwick? What would be a better place for the handling of passengers than the Victoria area?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, I think that with a very great effort the noble Lord, Lord Harvey of Prestbury, is extending this matter too far. It has nothing to do with Maplin. There are two forms of traffic—the short-haul traffic, and the long-haul traffic. Long-haul traffic will be cleared at the Victoria terminal; it is better suited there and will continue to be dealt with there.

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