HC Deb 03 February 1937 vol 319 cc1591-3
38. Major Neven-Spence

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why, in view of the growing importance of air transport to the counties of Orkney and Shetland, the Air Ministry has approved landing fees for Wideford aerodrome, Orkney, and Sumburgh aerodrome, Shetland, substantially higher than those charged at Croydon, e.g. 25s. for aircraft, such as Dragons, of 4,500 lbs. gross weight, and 38s. for aircraft, such as Rapides, of 5,500 lbs. gross weight; and whether, in view of the fact that the fares across the Pentland Firth and between Orkney and Shetland are £1 and £2 10s respectively, he will take steps to reduce the landing fees and so make it possible to operate profitably a six-seven seater aircraft at 50 per cent. load?

Sir P. Sassoon

The principle followed in fixing aerodrome landing charges is to approve such rates as appear to be reasonable, having regard to the cost to the aerodrome proprietors of providing and maintaining the facilities accorded to air traffic, and the use made of the aerodrome. These considerations were taken into account when rates were approved for the Wideford and Sumburgh aerodromes, and there appears to be no justification for revising them at the present time.

Major Neven-Spence

Is the right hon. Baronet aware of the recommendation of the Maybury Committee that there should be a standard scale of charges for all aerodromes throughout the country, licensed for public use and that owners should conform to that scale?

Sir P. Sassoon

Yes, Sir, that has been considered.

39. Major Neven-Spence

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that no petrol or oil can be bought at the Sumburgh aerodrome, Shetland; that no hangars are available there; that Aberdeen Airways, Limited, have been refused permission by the licensee to erect one; and, in view of the fact that Sumburgh is the only practicable landing ground in Shetland and that the licensee there has a virtual monopoly of landing facilities in Shetland, will the Air Ministry take over this aerodrome and operate it impartially in the public interest?

Sir P. Sassoon

As regards the first two parts of the question, the licensing of an aerodrome for public use is not conditional upon the provision of fuel or housing accommodation for visiting aircraft. As regards the third part, I regret that I have no information but the question of granting such a facility must be regarded as a matter for the owners of the aerodrome. As regards the last part, it would be contrary to Government policy to adopt the suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend in regard to acquisition of the aerodrome by the Air Ministry.

Major Neven-Spence

Is it not the case that the Maybury Committee has recommended very strongly that the main aerodromes at least should not be in private ownership; and in view of the fact that there is only one possible landing ground in the whole of the Shetlands, will he undertake to reconsider the whole position carefully'?

Sir P. Sassoon

The Maybury Committee also recommended that it would be unfair to discourage or displace existing owners of aerodromes.

Mr. Garro Jones

Is this licence subject to renewal; and if so, will the right hon. Baronet undertake not to renew it until the aerodrome provides the facilities which are in demand in the district and which Aberdeen Airways are ready to supply?

Sir P. Sassoon

We have no powers.