Civil Aviation Bill — Report

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 5:45 pm on 7 November 2012.

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Photo of Lord Davies of Oldham Lord Davies of Oldham Shadow Spokesperson (Transport), Shadow Spokesperson (Treasury), Shadow Spokesperson (Wales) 5:45, 7 November 2012

My Lords, I am grateful for that full answer. In fact, I did not actually raise the issue of border control, but the Minister is absolutely right to say that one of the anxieties of passengers is the difficulties that occur when there are hold-ups at immigration. Of course, we all subscribe to the position and understand entirely that border control has an important task to fulfil in safeguarding the people of this country, and we obviously wish it well in that role, nor should anything seek to inhibit the efficiency with which the border force carries it out.

However, I was concerned to identify the issue of delay simply because I feared that the Minister would do what he has done in his well informed manner-namely, talk in fairly general terms of what is to be done and what is going on. I am grateful to him for his indication of activity, particularly on the part of the CAA; however, I must say that there is a difference between what these amendments seek in terms of information for passengers and influence on their interests being taken seriously. That contrasts with what the CAA currently has-a consumer panel that does not look as if it addresses effectively the need for information flows that meet the kind of anxieties and difficulties that passengers face.

I hear what the Minister says about improvements, although it brought a slightly wry smile to this side of the House when he mentioned Gatwick's ability to clear runways. The problems at Heathrow had been that aircraft could not be de-iced and taken out of their parking bays. The runways were not the issue there. None of us can anticipate the weather or the extent of the difficulties it may present. That indicates why it is necessary to be specific about passengers' anxieties. These amendments set out to identify such areas against a background whereby passenger welfare needs to be emphasised in the responsibilities of the CAA.

However, the Minister could not have given a fuller and more considered reply and I therefore beg leave to withdraw the amendment.

Amendment 17 withdrawn.

Amendments 18 and 19 not moved.

Clause 22 : Modifying licence conditions and licence area

Amendment 20

Moved by Earl Attlee

20: Clause 22, page 16, line 25, after "paragraphs" insert "6A,"

Amendment 20 agreed.

Schedule 2 : Appeals under Sections 24 and 25

Amendment 21

Moved by Earl Attlee

21: Schedule 2, page 72, line 36, at end insert-

"6A (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where-

(a) the CAA decides under section 22 to modify a licence by adding a relevant financial arrangements condition,

(b) an application is made for permission to appeal under section 25 against the decision, and

(c) the condition would have effect, but for this paragraph, before the end of the period of 10 weeks beginning with the day on which notice of the decision was published in accordance with section 22 ("the 10 week period").

(2) The relevant financial arrangements condition does not have effect during the 10 week period.

(3) Sub-paragraph (4) applies where-

(a) the CAA decides under section 22 to modify a licence by adding a relevant financial arrangements condition, and

(b) the Competition Commission grants permission to appeal against the decision.

(4) The relevant financial arrangements condition does not have effect until the appeal against the decision is determined or withdrawn (or, if there is more than one appeal against the decision, until all of the appeals are determined or withdrawn).

(5) In this paragraph, "relevant financial arrangements condition" has the same meaning as in paragraph 6."

Amendment 21 agreed.

Clause 66 : Airports

Amendment 22

Moved by Earl Attlee

22: Clause 66, page 40, line 12, leave out ", including the supply of fuel"

Amendment 22 agreed.

Amendment 23

Moved by Lord Rotherwick

23: Clause 66, page 40, line 15, at end insert-

"( ) the arrival or departure of pilots and persons to be carried as passengers in general and business aviation aircraft, together with their baggage".