HL Deb 03 February 1977 vol 379 cc955-7
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 are now in a position to make a Statement on the suggestion that, to end the overbooking controversy, airlines should demand payment 48 hours before flight time for "confirmed" reservation and the acceptance of passengers without 48-hour provision on a "conditional" basis of first come first served, in view of the anxiety of Her Majesty's Government that this matter should be carefully considered by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Lord ORAM

My Lords, the suggestion, which occurs in a report which recognises the economic necessity of overbooking, is interesting. However, I understand that, after careful consideration, the Authority is not satisfied that this would be an appropriate measure.

Baroness BURTON of COVENTRY

My Lords, I wonder whether, as we seem to be making no progress on that specific point—although it was not, with due respect, a specific answer—I may ask if it is not correct that at the West London Terminal British Airways have now established what they call "the finest reservations centre in the world?" Furthermore, is it not correct that the names of passengers for all flights are fed into the computer weeks or months in advance? If this is so, would it not be possible to add further names when the list is complete, on a standby basis?

Lord ORAM

Yes, my Lords, I think that this would be a technical possibility, having regard to that facility, but I do not think that it would overcome all the many varied problems connected with the overbooking problem.

Baroness BURTON of COVENTRY

My Lords, may I strive to make one inch of progress and ask the Minister whether I should be correct in assuming from his reply that it would be possible to do such a thing and that, if it is not done, it is because British Airways do not wish to do it and not because they cannot?

Lord ORAM

My Lords, I do not think that that would be correct. It is a question of proper treatment for the various passengers paying various rates for tickets. The cut-off at a 48-hour period, or any other period, would introduce difficulties into the schedules of fares. But since my noble friend is anxious to make progress, as she puts it, inch by inch, I would assure her that, as promised last week, I have written to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State urging him to see whether there are any further initiatives which he, as apart from the CAA, can take in this matter.

Baroness BURTON of COVENTRY

My Lords, the House is very patient and I wonder whether I may just ask one more question as I think from what my noble friend said that he is not quite clear what I have asked. Is he aware that I was not on the 48-hour point or on the question of whether or not it is possible to end over-bookings but that my point was a mechanical one? It was whether it was not possible, on the computer which lists all names for all flights as and when they are handed in, when the list for a flight is complete, to add further names on a standby basis?

Lord ORAM

My Lords, I answered that, saying that it would be technically possible but that there are further difficulties beyond that.

Lord WYNNE-JONES

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that my noble friend Lady Burton has a very excellent track record and that she usually succeeds in getting her way? Perhaps the Government would be well advised to pay attention to her early in the race.

Lord ORAM

My Lords, I do not think that we are early in this particular race, but I recognise the track record of my noble friend. What I should wish the House and my noble friend to recognise is that very considerable progress has been made in this matter, largely through the efforts of my noble friend. The voluntary compensation scheme, though it leaves gaps which we have discussed, was and is a most important step forward in overcoming the problems to which she calls attention.

The Earl of ONSLOW

My Lords, the noble Lord, Lord Oram, said that the proposal made by the noble Baroness was technically possible but that there were further difficulties. What further difficulties?

Lord ORAM

My Lords, I indicated that there would be difficulties about giving priority to those who had booked early as against those who booked late and paid a higher fare in order to have the privilege of a seat at short notice. There are difficulties of that kind which are very real and there are other problems such as payments having been made by cheques that have not been cleared and payments made by credit cards and through agencies and so on. There are many practical difficulties that would stand in the way of what may seem, on the surface, to be a simple solution.

Lord BYERS

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that flattery of the noble Baroness is no substitute for speedier action?

Lord ORAM

My Lords, I do not flatter my noble friend. I have tried to meet her points and have passed them on and, as I have said, considerable progress has been made and action has been taken. I feel that certain Members of your Lordships' House have not fully recognised the progress that has in fact been made.

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