HC Deb 30 October 1946 vol 428 cc600-2
32. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he will now state the findings of the inquiry which it was promised would be instituted in regard to the cancellation of the air service between Prestwick and London.

Mr. Lindgren

I am not aware that an inquiry into the cancellation of the air service between Prestwick and London was promised. The fullest consideration was given to all the circumstances before it was decided to suspend the service. I may add that preparations are in hand for the start of a service at an early date, between London and Aberdeen which will call at Prestwick.

Sir T. Moore

Whilst fully appreciating that the hon. Gentleman is not yet fully familiar with his Department, may I ask if he is aware that the former chief of the Department, Lord Winster, gave a definite undertaking that this inquiry would be set up and that further information would be given on the subject? Is not that on the records of his Department?

Mr. Lindgren

No, Sir, not as far as I have been able to find out through the investigations which I have carried out following this Question being placed on the Order Paper.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Will the Minister arrange for the service between London and Aberdeen to be a direct service without calling at Prestwick?

Mr. Lindgren

It is most difficult to placate all the various interests in Scotland. I am making a special tour of Scotland at the request of the Minister to get first hand information.

Sir T. Moore

Pending that welcome visit, I am afraid I will have to pursue the matter further on the Adjournment.

33. Sir T. Moore

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation the precise reasons why the daily air service between Prestwick and Belfast is being cancelled as from 31st October.

Mr. Lindgren

The existing airport at Belfast is not readily capable of improvement to enable regular services with the larger aircraft, which have been brought into use this year, to be run with due regard to safety in the winter months. The alternative airport at Nutts Corner, which will be suitable for the larger aircraft, will be ready at the end of the year, or, I hope, earlier. In the meantime, the British European Airways Corporation had no alternative but to suspend the service in question, owing to the non-availability of smaller aircraft. The service between Renfrew and Belfast is, however, being maintained with such aircraft.

Sir T. Moore

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the two replies he has just given mean that the great airport of Prestwick, by his own Government designated as an international terminal, has now no direct air contact with any other airport in the United Kingdom? It is disgraceful.

Mr. Lindgren

The question of facilities for the area is of much greater importance than the use of a particular airport.

Sir R. Ross

Is the hon. Member aware that not only has this service been cancelled, but on the other services to Belfast big machines have been taken off, and they are now using only small machines? Owing to the inadequacy of the steamer service, these air services are of particular importance and cannot some proper air services be supplied to make up for the undue reduction of services to Northern Ireland?

Mr. Lindgren

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is only responsible for the air services. So far as is humanly possible the services withdrawn because of the withdrawal of Dakotas are being made up with smaller aircraft by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and every endeavour is being made to make up for the seating capacity of the heavier withdrawn aircraft.

Mrs. Jean Mann

This service was costing 30s., and it has been replaced by one costing 50s. If that was to placate Scotland, or to unite Scotland, the Government are going the wrong way about it.

Mr. Lindgren

But I always thought Scotland was more concerned with safety than even price.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

As the hon. Gentleman is to make a tour does he recall that his predecessor made a tour, and found things in Scotland which he had never thought of? All the details of that tour must be in the office, if he looks them up.

Mr. Rankin

Is it not the case that the actual cost to the passenger for the return journey from Renfrew to Belfast is cheaper per mile than the return journey from Prestwick?

Sir T. Moore

No, 50s., compared with 30s.