§ 29. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Air what progress has been made with preparation of the ground for the air service to the Isle of Lewis; and whether he is now able to state at what date it is proposed to begin a regular service?
Captain BalfourI understand that the operating company began work on the proposed aerodrome at Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, in March last and that it is expected that the work will be completed during the autumn of this year. I am informed that the company has applied to the Air Transport Licensing Authority for a licence for a regular service which they propose to start next spring.
§ 30. Mr. MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Air what proposals he has received for restoring the regular air services to the Isle of South Uist; and what early action he proposes?
Captain BalfourNo proposals have been received in regard to the restoration of the regular air services to the Isle of South Uist. The restoration or initiation of a regular air service is a matter for the operating company concerned, subject to the granting of a licence by the Air Transport Licensing Authority, and it is not, therefore, possible for my Department to take any action in regard to the restoration of the service in question. I understand, however, that there is a service available on demand on charter terms, but that the operating company do not consider that the institution of a regular service is practicable in view of the small amount of traffic operating to and from the Island. Further, on account of the unsatisfactory condition of the aerodrome, it has been necessary to stipulate that services may not operate from South Uist with more than 60 per cent. load.