HC Deb 17 December 1974 vol 883 cc415-6W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Trade when the general review of British airline policy was commenced; what are its terms of reference; what is the membership of the review body ; what procedure is being adopted for consultation with airlines and other interested parties; and whether the report will be published.

Mr. Shore,

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 16th December 1974; Vol. 883, c. 303], gave the following information:

Following adverse developments in the demand for air travel earlier this year I set in hand in October the present review of United Kingdom civil aviation policy. Its terms of reference, which were incorrectly stated in my Written Reply to the Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Feltham and Heston (Mr. Kerr), on 5th December—[Vol. 882, c. 572]—are as follows: To consider what changes may be desirable to United Kingdom civil aviation policy, as embodied in the Civil Aviation Policy Guidance approved by Parliament in March 1972, in the light of the present economic and financial position and prospects of the British civil air transport industry.

The review is being conducted by officials of my Department in consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority. Letters have been sent to airlines and other organisations most closely interested inviting them to make known their views on the issues to be covered by the review. In my answer on 5th December I invited any other organisations or individuals wishing to express their views to do so by writing to the Secretary to the review at Room 217, Shell Mex House, Strand, London, W.C.2, by 17th January.

I expect the review to be completed in the spring.