asked the Minister for Communications if he will consider the introduction of a reduced London-Shannon air fare for English citizens on a pilot basis in order to create an incentive for west of Ireland people living in England to return home and to develop the tourist trade from Britain to the west of Ireland.
Written Answers. - London-Shannon Air Fare.
544.
The initiative to propose air fares rests with the airlines providing the service. Aer Lingus and British Airways currently operate on the Shannon-London route and I will examine on their merits any fares proposals that may be made to me by those airlines. I should add that it is normal commercial practice for the airlines to offer promotional fares aimed at stimulating tourist traffic and for the current summer season, an advance purchase excursion fare is available at UK£106 (return) with an additional UK£8 payable at weekends in July, August and September. These levels compare with the executive class fare of UK£180 (return). Introduction of fares that would have limitations on use by reference to citizenship is not seen as a practical proposition.