§ 9. Mr. Willisasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will state the proposed functions and powers of the Scottish division of the British European Airways Corporation; and whether these will include the power to inaugurate new services or to modify existing ones in accordance with Scottish needs.
Mr. Ivor ThomasAs I stated on 13th March, the Scottish division of British European Airways will be responsible, as 1845 part of that Corporation, for the administration of air services within and radiating from Scotland. It follows that the division will be able to make proposals for the inauguration or modification of services in accordance with Scottish needs.
§ Mr. GallacherDoes the answer mean that they will not have power to inaugurate new services or to modify existing ones?
Mr. ThomasThe ultimate responsibility will lie with the Board of British European Airways. As the part of the Corporation responsible for services in Scotland their proposals will naturally have great weight.
§ Mr. WillisIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this does not satisfy the deep feeling in Scotland on this matter, and that Scotland feels it should be given power to provide services in Scotland within the organisation?
Mr. ThomasI can assure my hon. Friend that full weight is being given to Scottish feelings in this matter It is my Noble Friend's desire to do what we can to meet them.
§ Mr. KinleyIf decisions are made in London in respect of these services will the hon. Gentleman see that they are taken by Scotsmen?