HC Deb 25 March 1946 vol 421 cc40-1
Mr. Willis (by Private Notice)

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation why the proposed trip to Prestwick of the delegates to the Air Conference at Dublin was cancelled, and whether he will arrange for such a visit of inspection to be made before the end of the conference.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. Ivor Thomas)

A visit to Prestwick by delegates to the Air Conference at Dublin took place yesterday. I regret that it was not found possible to provide a special aircraft for the purpose at an earlier date.

Mr. Willis

While I express satisfaction at the fact that the visit has now been made, may I ask why the offer of the Irish Government, or the Irish Air Line, to provide planes to take the delegates was not accepted, and why, after notice of this Question had been given, it was found possible to provide aeroplanes? Will my hon. Friend take steps to ensure that in future the officials of his Department promote, and try to press forward, the claims and facilities of Prestwick?

Mr. Thomas

I do not know whether an aircraft was offered by the Government of Fire or not, but it is certainly outside my responsibility. The delegates would have been very welcome to Prestwick at all times. The only reason why an aircraft could not be found was that it was asked for at very short notice and it was not possible to provide it without taking an aircraft from a regular scheduled service.

Sir Wavell Wakefield

is not this the natural consequence of the policy of civil aviation pursued by the Party opposite?

Mr. Thomas

No, Sir. It shows that our aircraft are being fully utilised.

Mr. Steele

Is it the intention of the Minister to develop Rineanna at the expense of the two air ports in this country? In this matter the people of Scotland are speaking also for the people of England. We feel very much perturbed about it, and would—

Mr. Speaker

This Question only dealt with a proposed trip that did not take place. It did not deal with the whole policy on civil aviation.

Sir William Darling

Would I be in Order, Mr. Speaker, to ask if the Minister is aware that there is in Scotland a strong impression that he is more concerned in the development of Rineanna than—

Mr. Speaker

That also is outside this Question.