HC Deb 19 July 1950 vol 477 cc2243-5
21. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he intends to make Manchester, Blackpool and Liverpool, the air ports for the north of England; and, if so, can he make a statement for the guidance of the people and industry so that they may plan for some time ahead.

Mr. Beswick

So far as can be foreseen, these three aerodromes will continue to be operated for internal scheduled services, Liverpool also continuing to be used for services to the Irish Republic and Manchester for services to Europe. I cannot at present say whether other aerodromes in the north of England will be needed for scheduled operations.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

In regard to Manchester Airport, is it the intention of the Department to leave it under the control of the local authority?

Mr. Beswick

We are at present in discussion with the Manchester Corporation on that point.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that it would be desirable to have a yard-stick whereby municipal and Government efficiency could be measured one against the other?

Mr. W. J. Taylor

Would the Parliamentary Secretary take notice of the fact that the County Palatine forms only part of the north of England, and give attention to the county of York adjoining, and particularly to aerodromes in Leeds and Bradford?

Mr. Beswick

Discussions are already taking place with some municipalities in Yorkshire. I should certainly hope that the air network will be extended over that part of the country in the future.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Could I have an answer to my question?

Mr. Beswick

I am always in favour of having the yard-stick as a measure.

Mr. W. J. Taylor

Is it not the case that the discussions to which the Parliamentary Secretary refers have been going on for a considerable number of years? Will he consider doing something to get a definite decision on the matter?

Mr. Beswick

The hon. Gentleman should put a Question down on that point.

22. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will take steps to approve helicopter or small plane feeder services from the large centres to the airports of Manchester, Blackpool and Liverpool.

Mr. Beswick

My noble Friend will continue to consider any recommendations made to him by the Air Transport Advisory Council on applications received from private companies to operate scheduled feeder services to these and other aerodromes as associates of British European Airways.

Mr. Smith

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is some uneasiness in industry about this matter and that speed in delivery and in consultation will be most potent matters in the future, and give rise to the need for feeder services? Could he give an undertaking that early consideration will be given to the need for organising feeder services?

Mr. Beswick

The main services for which the corporation are responsible are already operating. If there are private companies who wish to apply for an associate agreement to operate feeder services we shall be pleased to consider those applications.

Mr. Smith

Is it not the intention of the Ministry to set up feeder services on their own, or to encourage private enterprise to organise them to large municipal aerodromes like that at Ringway?

Mr. Beswick

In the future, not necessarily this year or next, it is hoped that a combination of corporation services and feeder services, operated by private enterprise under associate agreements, will cover the country.

Mr. Macdonald

Will the Minister arrange feeder services from the principal services in Scotland to Prestwick, as they are very seriously needed?

Mr. Speaker

Scotland does not come into this Question. We are dealing with Manchester, Blackpool and Liverpool.