§ Wing-Commander Hulbertasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if, in view of the fact that American air services are now operating on the Atlantic route, he will consider making the fares charged by B.O.A.C. competitive with these services.
§ Brigadier F. Macleanasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he is aware that the fare charged by B.O.A.C. for a single air passage between the United Kingdom and the United States is more than twice that charged by Pan-American Airways; and as the British line is thereby placed at a disadvantage, what steps he proposes to take to reduce this discrepancy in the fares.
Mr. Ivor ThomasThe fares charged by British Overseas Airways Corporation for transatlantic air passages are identical with those at present charged by Pan-American Airways on their flying boat services. I am aware that Pan-American Airways have announced their intention, when their transatlantic land plane service starts, to charge fares considerably less than the present fares. I am informed, however, that the United States Civil Aeronautics Board has refused authority to Pan-American Airways to introduce these fares on the ground that the Companies had not given the customary 30 days' notice of revision. Arrangements for securing agreement on the appropriate fares for transatlantic-services are under discussion with the United States authorities.
§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he will make representations to the U.S.A. Government to the effect that the new Atlantic air service which starts from America should make Britain a port of call.
Mr. Ivor ThomasThe United States authorities have already authorised two of the United States airlines which are to operate transatlantic services to make calls in the United Kingdom.