§ Mr. Russell Kerrasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what cuts are currently being imposed on British Airways and British Caledonian Airways, respectively, in respect of their normal requirement for aviation fuel at this time of year; at whose instigation the cuts are being made; and whether he will make a statement outlining Government policy in regard to the fuelling of various British airlines and to facilities currently being made available to foreign airlines in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineBritish Caledonian's allocation for the period 20th November to 31st December falls short, I understand, of its planned requirements by just over 20 per cent. British Airways' shortfall is slightly less.
The airline industry has been required to reduce its anticipated overall consumption of fuel in the period 20th November to 31st December by an average of 17 per cent. The allocation for January 1974, notified to the airlines yesterday, represents a shortfall of 22 per cent. to 23 per cent. in the industry's anticipated requirements.
In making the allocations I have endeavoured to deal as fairly as possible with individual airlines after taking into 489W account their differing patterns of operations. In the case of foreign airlines we have, of course, had to pay regard to our international obligations not to discriminate against them, and the allocation to them will be made subject to the proviso that British airlines should receive treatment from foreign Governments and foreign fuel suppliers no less favourable than that accorded to the national carriers of those countries.