§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Transport if, in connection with the privatisation of British Airways, he will introduce legislation defining unacceptable predatory behaviour for application subsequent to the airline entering the private sector.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerNo. The Civil Aviation Authority has adequate powers to maintain and promote competition including taking action against airlines which act in an anti-competitive or predatory fashion. In addition, the Director General of Fair Trading can investigate and seek to remedy anti-competitive behaviour in domestic and whole plane charter services and refer monopoly questions concerning these services to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry can also refer to the Commission monopoly questions concerning any aspect of civil aviation, including international scheduled services.