asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he is aware that the air fare from London to New York is £89 return, and from London to Shannon is £86.50; if he would have the matter investigated and make a statement on the matter.

It is important when making air fare comparisons to compare like with like. The Shannon-London return fare of £86 is the normal economy fare. The corresponding London-New York return fare is £340.

The normal economy fare is the regular on-demand fare used mainly by the business segment of the market which requires frequency and flexibility. However, there is also a range of promotional or excursion fares and, in the case of the Shannon-London route, a return fare as low as £58 is available to cater for tourists and other visitors.

I cannot trace a return fare between London and New York at the level referred to by the Deputy. There are a number of single fares at a level close to the £89 quoted by the Deputy but these are all subject to various conditions and restrictions which limit their availability to special categories of travellers.