HL Deb 14 January 1976 vol 367 cc129-30
Lord TREFGARNE

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 intend to issue further guidance to the Civil Aviation Authority, and if so when.

Lord MELCHETT

My Lords, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Trade will shortly be presenting to Parliament a White Paper which will contain proposals for new guidance to the Authority.

Lord TREFGARNE

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that reply. Will he do what he can to ensure that in the future there is not such a long period of uncertainty? Is he aware that we have been expecting this White Paper and the guidance which flows from it since about mid-November, and that some difficulty has been caused to the airlines?

Lord MELCHETT

My Lords, any delay is, of course, regrettable. However, in this instance talks are taking place between airline companies and the White Paper cannot be published until those talks have been brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

Lord BELSTEAD

My Lords, is it possible that that guidance will necessitate some amendment to the 1971 Civil Aviation Act?

Lord MELCHETT

My Lords, I think it would be better to await the publication of the White Paper.