§ 36 and 37. Mr. Rankinasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (1) why the introduction of new aircraft on Scottish routes has been delayed;
(2) if he will state the reasons for the shortage of aircraft which led to the recent suspension or curtailment of Scottish air services.
§ Mr. BeswickShortage of raw materials and labour troubles experienced by the contractors have delayed the conversion of Dakotas to Pionair aircraft for use on the British European Airways Corporation's routes. The consequent general shortage of passenger capacity 1367 for their summer schedules forced the Corporation temporarily to curtail or suspend several services, including three in Scotland which have now been restored.
§ Mr. RankinMy hon. Friend will recollect that we were promised that Marathons, Vikings and Ambassadors would be in operation a year ago to replace the out of date Rapides and Dakotas. Could he tell us who or what is causing the delay, and if any steps are being taken with regard to firms that default in the implementation of their contracts?
§ Mr. BeswickI have already stated the reason for the delay in the case of the Pionairs aircraft. In regard to the other aircraft it is a different question.
Air Commodore HarveyIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that six Marathon aircraft are awaiting delivery at Blackbushe Airport. Is it not a fact that they are not being delivered because of a shortage of pilots, yet only three years ago B. E. A. C. were sacking pilots as redundant?
§ Mr. BeswickI do not accept that statement. In the first place my answer referred to Pionair aircraft.