HC Deb 18 December 1975 vol 902 c782W
Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if, in the light of the recent decision of the House of Lords, he will initiate discussions with British Airways to replace the system of ticket overbooking;

(2) if, in consultation with British Airways, he will contact IATA, following the recent decision of the House of Lords, with a view to obtaining international agreement to end the system of overbooking;

(3) if he will issue guidance to British Airways and all other airlines represented in the United Kingdom to introduce a system of a sizeable forfeitable deposit to prevent overbooking.

Mr. Shore

I am currently considering the question of airline overbooking and will naturally take full account of the recent decision in the case of the British Airways Boardv. Taylor. My Department is in touch with the Authority and with the British Airways, and I understand that the latter have already suggested to the International Air Transport Association and to other airlines flying out of the United Kingdom that joint consideration be given to such action that may be required in the light of this decision.