§ 32. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what progress has been made with the preparation of the proposed landing ground at Steinish, near Stornoway; and when the Stornoway air service is likely to begin?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)No further progress has been made with the site in question on account of the cost involved, but I am informed that negotiations have recently been opened between Scottish Airways and the Stornoway Trust with a view to determining the possibilities of developing at less cost an alternative site a little further inland than Steinish.
§ Mr. MacMillanIs the Minister aware that there is an efficient air service operating to almost every rock off the west of Scotland and that to this island, which is the most important island, there is no service at all?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThe Air Ministry has been giving its technical advice and assistance, and development is a matter for the local authorities.
§ Mr. MacMillanIn view of the fact that the Minister says that the cost is prohibitive, will he get some financial assistance as well as technical advice?
§ Lieut.-Colonel. MuirheadIn accordance with the recommendation of the Maybury Committee, the policy of the Government is not to give financial assistance for the establishment of aerodromes.