HC Deb 20 November 1946 vol 430 cc841-2
38. Sir Ronald Ross

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when a passenger air service from Great Britain will be extended to Londonderry.

Mr. Lindgren

Although we plan to extend a service to Londonderry at some future date, I regret it will not be possible to do so for some time to come.

Sir R. Ross

Is the Minister aware that this promise was given many months ago, and can he give some indication of when a service is to be provided; and is it not the case that a service by a private company would have been provided long ago?

Mr. Lindgren

I am afraid not.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Is it not quite indefensible, as between loyal Northern Ireland and this country, that at Londonderry no such facilities exist, when the Government are only too anxious to make a minority agreement with Eire?

Sir W. Wakefield

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether permission will be given to private enterprise to run a scheduled service, if the Government cannot do it?

Mr. Lindgren

The provision of services is entirely a matter for the various corporations which have been set up.