§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Minister for Trade (1) how many flights into Antigua from the United Kingdom will operate each week; and whether there have been consultations with the Government of Antigua about the effects of this on their tourist industry;
(2) why the application of the Government of Antigua to operate flights by British West Indian Airways between the United Kingdom and Antigua and Barbados has been refused;
258W(3) what consultations were held with tour operators and travel agents in the United Kingdom before the number of flights to Antigua was reduced; and what representations he has had from Antigua since the changes were made.
§ Mr. Sproat[pursuant to his reply, 28 June 1982, c. 210.]: British Airways have operated twice a week with Boeing 747 aircraft between London and Antigua since April 1981. The frequency of BA services is a matter for the airline, but I understand that before reducing from three to two flights a week BA did consult United Kingdom travel agents and tour operators.
At a meeting on 9 June the Minister without Portfolio of Antigua and Barbuda, whose responsibilities cover tourism, represented to me that existing air services between the United Kingdom and Antigua were insufficient for Antigua's growing tourist needs. I repeated an offer made by my Department last November, that Trinidad and Tobago—British West Indian Airways International—Airways could pick up passengers at Antigua on their twice weekly services to London from Port of Spain and Barbados, or replace either of these services by a Port of Spain-Antigua-London service. That offer remains on the table.
I have also drawn the attention of British Airways to the concerns of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. I understand that British Airways will be prepared to increase capacity between London and Antigua if they can be satisfied that the demand exists.