§ Sir Sydney ChapmanTo ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what rebate agreements with airlines have been reached in respect of air travel costs. [41059]
§ Mr. Michael J. MartinI am pleased to announce that on 13 June, following negotiations between the House and British Airways, the Administration Committee endorsed a proposed agreement, whereby BA is willing to assist the House in reducing its air travel costs, in return for the House dealing with BA as a preferred airline, and subject to a certain minimum flown revenue.
Most BA flights on parliamentary business booked through the Palace of Westminster travel office since 1 April by hon. Members, their staff or Officers or staff of the House will count towards a percentage rebate on a sliding scale—the greater the flown revenue, the greater the percentage—as well as actual—rebate. All BA worldwide scheduled services in certain classes are covered, including club world, eurobudget, shuttle services and full economy class UK domestic fares. A complete list of eligible fares is available from the travel office.
It is important to stress that there is no element of "exclusivity" about this agreement. Individual hon. Members or Select Committees who, for example, prefer to deal with other carriers or travel agents, or who wish to take advantage of a group deal with another carrier are, of course, still perfectly free to do so. However, I would hope that all hon. Members will bear in mind that if they do book a BA flight through the travel office, it could now assist the House in being able to keep its air travel costs down.