§ 41. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchisonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what are the regular British services flying between Scotland and any foreign country.
§ Mr LindgrenThe only British service at present operating directly between Scotland and any foreign country is that between London—Prestwick—Gander and New York.
§ Mr. ErrollDoes the Minister realise that the provision of direct flying routes between provincial centres, such as Manchester, and foreign countries is very much desired by people away from Whitehall?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe Question applies only to Scotland.
§ 42. Colonel Hutchisonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what foreign lines conduct regular services between foreign countries and Scotland.
§ Mr. LindgrenRegular services between foreign countries and Scotland are run by the following foreign airlines: Air France, K.L.M., Icelandic Airways, Trans-Canadian Airways and Scandinavian Airlines.
§ Colonel HutchisonIn view of the answer to the first and second Questions, comparing these results, can the Minister say if he is still satisfied that nationalised air services can hold a candle to private enterprise?
§ Mr. LindgrenThat is not the subject of the Question.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIs it not a disgrace that, after 18 months of this Government, Scotland has to rely wholly on foreign air liners?
§ Mr. LindgrenMay I ask whether the hon. Gentleman—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."] May I say that air line services 844 are provided through the British Government, and Scotland has its fair share of the services which are available.
§ Sir W. WakefieldWill the Minister say when these air services are to be provided from Scotland to foreign countries?
§ Mr. LindgrenAs soon as there are the available aircraft to enable that to be done.
§ Colonel Gomme Duncan; In view of the unsatisfactory reply, I beg leave to give notice that I shall raise the matter again on the Adjournment.