§ 29. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what progress is being made in arranging for an air service from Errol Airport.
§ Mr. ProfumoBritish European Airways have informed my right hon. Friend that they are confirmed in their opinion that they would not be justified in adding to the losses already incurred in the provision of Scottish air services by including a service to Errol in their network. No independent company has applied to operate a service to Errol.
§ Mr. ThomsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that his answer will cause surprise and dismay in Dundee and Perth? Will he not agree that the figures he gave last week showing an increase in air traffic from the East Coast of Scotland proves that the pessimism of his reply is completely unfounded. And will he consider sympathetically the request being made by the Lord Provosts of Dundee and Perth for a meeting with the Minister on this subject?
§ Mr. ProfumoThe question of running air services from Errol has no relation to the answer given last week. However, my right hon. Friend has been sympathetic in this matter. The advice he got he took very largely from British European Airways Corporation. I know my right hon. Friend would be pleased to meet another deputation from that part of Scotland, but I think it might be better if, in the first place, the delegates went to see Lord Douglas as they said they would do when they last met my right hon. Friend.