HC Deb 11 November 1980 vol 992 cc132-3W
Mr. Stainton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he will request the Director General of Fair Trading to investigate the trading practices of firms selling solar heating systems, details of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Sudbury and Woodbridge;

(2) if he is satisfied with the operation of current legislation in relation to the trading practices of firms seeking to sell solar heating devices by door to door canvassing.

Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

The Director General is making a study of trading practices in the home improvement sector—which, of course, includes solar heating systems. I understand that he will take account during this study of the details provided by my hon. Friend. I shall

Diversions to Liverpool Airport Numbers of Passengers
Year Incoming on diverted aircraft Outgoing coached from other airports Transit Total
1974 2,810 1,345 743 4,898
1975 8,057 7,121 1,875 17,053
1976 4,658 1,530 562 6,750
1977 2,663 1,275 6 3,944
1978 4,770 2,202 922 7,894
1979 145,569* 93,301* Not available 238,870
* These figures were inflated by diversions from Manchester airport due to runway maintenance and two periods of strike action.

Mr. John Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the annual profit or deficit in the Liverpool airport trading account for each of the last three financial years; and what is the estimate for the current year.

Mr. Tebbit

I am informed by the Merseyside county council that there has been a net operating deficit in the Liverpool airport trading account for each of the last three financial years and a loss has been estimated for the current financial year as follows:

1977–78 1978–79 1979–80 1980–81
£ thousand £ thousand £ thousand £ thousand
1,780 1,499 892 1,075*
* Estimated.