HC Deb 30 July 1984 vol 65 cc87-8W
Dr. Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from all grades of employee in British Airways about the effects of the Civil Aircraft Authority report on route proposals on British Airways; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

Not surprisingly, I am receiving many letters from British Airways' employees opposing the Civil Aviation Authority's recent recommendations about the transfer of certain routes from British Airways. I shall announce my decisions on the CAA's recommendations as soon as possible.

Dr. Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make his policy not to implement any of the proposals in the report of the Civil Aviation Authority on route allocations without parliamentary consent; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

No decision has yet been taken on whether there should be route transfers from British Airways to other airlines as the authority recommends. It is therefore too early to comment on the question of parliamentary consent. My right hon. Friend hopes to give his response to the report as soon as possible.

Dr. Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the implications of implementing the Civil Aviation Authority's proposals on route allocation and the likely revenue to be received by her Majesty's Government when British Airways is privatised; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

The Civil Aviation Authority in paragraph 79 of its report (CAP 500), gave an assessment of the effect on British Airways' revenue of the route transfers it proposed. British Airways has also now published its figures. I have no separate source of information.

The amount of the proceeds of British Airways' privatisation is subject to a number of uncertainties and will depend on the market's judgment of its value at the time of sale. It would not be sensible for me to publish an estimate in advance of the flotation.