§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy 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 COVENTRYMy 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 BESWICKMy Lords, I should have thought anyone who gave promises of indefinite duration was very badly advised.
§ LORD HARVEY OF PRESTBURYMy 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 614 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 BESWICKMy 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.