HC Deb 08 December 1937 vol 330 cc365-7
54. Mr. Perkins

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how often the Maybury report was revised before being finally issued; and how often it was sent back by the Air Ministry to the committee to be re-written?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

The report of the Maybury Committee was published as received from the Committee, and they were never asked to revise or alter their report.

55. Mr. Short

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any air company has offered, with or without subsidy, to carry out the air junction scheme of the Maybury report?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

One company has put forward a proposal to carry out the air junction scheme of the Maybury report on certain conditions including an adequate subsidy. It is not intended that any subsidy should be paid to the company or companies operating the junction scheme.

Mr. Short

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us the name of the company?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

Yes, it is Utility Airways, Limited.

56. Mr. Short

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed to adopt the air junction scheme of the Maybury report; and, if so, what assistance will be given to the Doncaster and other municipal aerodromes on the East Coast to enable them to maintain their services?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

The Government have accepted in principle the desirability of a junction scheme. As regards the last part of the question, the Maybury Committee reported against direct subsidies to civil aerodromes and the Government decided to maintain their policy in that respect. The Government in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee will provide, maintain and operate radio facilities, a meteorological organisation and a comprehensive air traffic control organisation.

Mr. Short

Is the Secretary of State considering the adoption of the air junction scheme of the Maybury report; and, if he adopts it, will that mean that the aerodromes on the East Coast will become derelict?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

No, Sir. The Government have accepted the general recommendations of the Maybury Committee which include the principle of the desirability of a junction scheme, but actually whether the scheme is to be operated or not, will depend on the applications from companies who can work it. No selection of a particular place for the junction has yet been made.

Mr. Perkins

Can these matters be brought before the Cadman Committee?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

Perhaps the hon. Member would ask the Cadman Committee and hear what they say?