HL Deb 15 January 1964 vol 254 cc571-2

2.25 p.m.

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are now in a position to make a statement about an air service for Dundee, and, if not, when they expect to be able to do so.]

LORD DENHAM

My Lords, two proposals have recently been put forward for providing a regular air service for Dundee. One is to serve Dundee by Herald aircraft operating a through service between Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. This has raised questions about the adequacy of the landing facilities available at Riverside Park, about which I understand the Lord Provost of Dundee is in correspondence with British European Airways. The second is to oper- ate a feeder service to Glasgow with a Heron aircraft. British European Airways estimate that this would result in a considerable annual loss. The whole matter is still being studied and a statement will be made as soon as possible.

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, while appreciating very much the Answer given by the Minister, may I point out that this matter has been under consideration now for very many years; and may I express the hope that urgent consideration may lead to a decision in weeks rather than months?

LORD DENHAM

My Lords, I will certainly pass on to my right honourable friend what the noble Lord has said; but I should just like to say that the matter of Dundee is being considered with the master plan as a whole which has been put forward by the Scottish Council.

LORD BOOTHBY

My Lords, arising out of that answer, is it not a fact that there is something to be said for establishing a new airport halfway between Perth and Dundee, to serve both centres? Is not this very necessary? I gather that that was a recommendation of the Council.

LORD DENHAM

My Lords, I am sure that my right honourable friend will also note what the noble Lord, Lord Boothby, has said.

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, may I come back to the matter by asking the Minister not to take the last remark as an excuse for further delay?