§ 2.52 p.m.
§ Baroness BURTON of COVENTRYMy 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 aware that according to a sample survey conducted in 1975 the proportion of air travellers going to or returning from abroad via Heathrow and checking in baggage was Mid and Far East and Australia (99.9 per cent.), North Atlantic routes (98.5 per cent.), European routes (76 per cent.); and whether more recent figures are available.
Lord ORAMMy Lords, the Government were not aware of these statistics, but we would not dissent from their conclusions, certainly as they relate to long haul services. We do not know whether more recent figures are available.
§ Baroness BURTON of COVENTRYMy Lords, I should like to ask whether the Minister is aware—I have to put this in the form of a question—that in a second he will know that the sample survey was conducted by the Airline Operators' Committee at Heathrow (Cargo Division)? He will have noted the high percentages in that statement. Would he not agree that so many passengers with baggage heavy enough to be checked in must be 1360 given the means of getting this to Heathrow? Secondly, does the noble Lord recall that, in the debate on tourism in this House on 25th January, the Minister, in replying, said, as stated in the Official Report, at col. 449, that there was no question of reducing the coach service? As I have had information to the contrary—that is, that the service is to be reduced, and quickly—can the noble Lord inquire into this as a matter of urgency, so that we are not subsequently told that it is too late to do anything?
Lord ORAMMy Lords, of course I agree with the first part of my noble friend's supplementary question; namely, that passengers with luggage must be given proper facilities, and the authorities who are responsible for these matters have them constantly under review. On the second part of the supplementary question—the reference that my noble friend makes to the recent debate on tourism—I indeed recall that my noble friend then raised this question. My noble friend Lady Birk said at that time that there was no question of the coach services being reduced, as has just been indicated by my noble friend.
However, figures now available show that the use of the coach service between the West London Terminal and Heathrow has fallen off by 60 per cent. since the underground link was opened, and British Airways are therefore reviewing the service. It is for British Airways to decide on the future of the service.
§ Lord GARDINERMy Lords, has my noble friend seen the advertisements encouraging travellers to Heathrow "to fly the tube", some of which, but not all, say at the bottom that any passengers with luggage other than hand luggage are advised to go by coach? Is this not at one and the same time very inconvenient to the passengers, and a great loss of revenue to the new tube, all caused by a failure to provide a few porters at Heathrow and either porters or a lift at Gloucester Road?
Lord ORAMMy Lords, I understand that the traffic on the new tube link in its early days suggests that as much as 25 per cent. of the passengers at Heathrow are using the underground, which seems 1361 to me to suggest that many people are finding that service satisfactory. The indication is that on average each passenger has one and a half cases—
§ Several Noble Lords: Oh!
Lord ORAMThat is an average figure, my Lords. I have heard no reports of any general difficulties as regards these passengers.
§ Lord GARDINERBut, my Lords, as it is admitted that this does not apply to 99 per cent. of all long distance passengers, who accordingly cannot use the new tube, will not Her Majesty's Government get the respective authorities—that is to say, the Greater London Council, London Transport, British Airways and the Heathrow authority—together to end what is really a piece of nonsense?
Lord GRAMMy Lords, I certainly recognise that when a new service like this is introduced it is necessary to review the consequences. I take note of what my noble and learned friend has suggested, and I shall pass it on to my right honourable friend.
§ Baroness BURTON of COVENTRYMy Lords, does the Minister realise that his statement has an ominous and familiar ring in the light of the story of the West London Terminal? I should like to ask him once more whether he will take steps to ensure that we are informed of what is likely to happen regarding this service, which is a public service, before anything in fact happens to it.
Lord ORAMMy Lords, I have been accused of being familiar, but not ominous. My noble friend is anxious—and rightly anxious—that there should be every opportunity for herself and others concerned to have their views considered when the service is being reviewed. I can assure her that British Airways will consult all concerned, and that, I am sure, will include my noble friend.