§ Mr. Les Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what regulations govern the conduct and rewards given to Customs and Excise staff working for British Airways in their off-duty hours during the dispute involving ramp workers at Heathrow; and whether he will make a statement;
(2) what insurance, bonding and other regulations govern pilots, and other staff and passengers who are given payments in cash and meals, and so on, while assisting to load baggage during a trade dispute involving a British airline operating at a British airport; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Sproat[pursuant to his reply, 4 March 1982, c. 214.]: The maintenance of British Airways services at Heathrow during the present ramp workers dispute is being achieved entirely by British Airways personnel. There are no regulations which specifically apply to personnel being employed on duties other than their normal duties. Aircrew volunteers are not employed on ramp work during periods preceding their flying duties. British Airways' actions in this dispute are a matter for the board.