HC Deb 02 July 1947 vol 439 c1310
42. Mr. Rankin

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many J. U. 52's have been converted to Jupiters; the total cost of conversion; and on what routes these machines are operating, or are to be operated.

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

Ten J.U. 52's have been converted to Jupiters at a cost of about £125,000. These aircraft are at present operated by British European Airways Corporation on five of their Scottish services, but are to be replaced in the autumn of this year.

Mr. Rankin

Could my hon. Friend say, are all these ships being used at the present time; and on what specific routes are they being used?

Mr. Lindgren

These are aircraft, not ships. All the aircraft are being used. They are on the following services: Glasgow—Belfast; Prestwick—Belfast; Glasgow—Aberdeen—Orkney—Shetlands; Glasgow — Stornoway — Inverness; Glasgow — Inverness — Wick — Orkney Shetlands.

Mr. Rankin

Could my hon. Friend explain why these aircraft, which are not by any standard modern, are used exclusively in Scotland?

Mr. Lindgren

Because, in fact, Scotland is getting most of England's air services.