§ 8. Mr. Eric Gandar Dowerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he is aware that Aberdeen Aerodrome Fuel Supplies, Limited, hold a 42 years lease from 1934 conferring the sole right to supply fuel and oil to Dyce aerodrome; and why he has offered facilities to other suppliers while continuing to hold Aberdeen Aero- 1119 drome Fuel Supplies requisitioned since 2nd September, 1939.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. Lindgren)Yes, Sir; but the rights under this lease are not exercisable over the aerodrome while it is held on requisition. Consequently my Department is in a position to pursue its normal policy at aerodromes under its control of offering facilities to any aviation fuel and oil supplier which wishes to trade.
§ Mr. DowerIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that Aberdeen Aerodrome Fuel Supplies, Limited, by arrangement with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, rented from the R.A.F. a mobile petrol bowser 2½ years ago, that it was delivered to the aerodrome and has not been used since because no rights to sell petrol have been given?
§ Mr. LindgrenThe Aberdeen Fuel Supplies Company have rights to supply, but only on the same basis as any other merchant on the aerodrome.
§ Mr. DowerDoes the hon. Gentleman think that the Aerodrome Company can operate in selling petrol against the principal suppliers, who are Shell-Mex, Limited?
§ Mr.' LindgrenSo far as this case is concerned, it is an instance where public control encourages free enterprise and competition while private ownership advocates monopoly.