§ 4. Sir T. Mooreasked the Minister of Civil Aviation whether he is now in a position to define his policy as to the distribution of flying routes in Scotland and the part that private operators will be permitted to play in that policy.
§ The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)Discussions with the interested parties are continuing, but there are still a number of outstanding and difficult problems.
§ Sir T. MooreWhile partially thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him not to overlook those pioneers of civil flying in Scotland, Scottish Aviation, Limited, who played such a prominent part in the late war? Will he do everything he can to reward them now for the services that they rendered?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI shall be very glad when reputable private firms, such as the firm which my hon. and gallant Friend has mentioned, are in a position to take advantage of the new opportunities open to private flying.
§ Sir T. MooreI am obliged.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the Minister aware that this company has already had permission to operate routes? Can he say whether they took advantage of that or is the case that they have never used the permission they have already?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAs I said, discussions are now proceeding with this and other companies.
§ Mr. ManuelCan the Minister tell the House how many routes in Scotland have been allocated to private operators, and the number of routes they have not yet utilised after allocation?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAs I made plain in my statement on 27th May, it is the intention to treat Scotland as one area, one Kingdom, and, to whomsoever the 2212 right to operate in Scotland is conceded, it would be for Scotland as a whole.
§ Mr. ManuelHow many routes have been allocated to private operators which have not been utilised and are not providing a service?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIf the hon. Gentleman means under old associate agreements, I will tell him the exact number if he will put a Question down.
§ Mr. BeswickHas a decision yet been come to whether the Government will pay a subsidy to the private operators with whom the right hon. Gentleman is in consultation?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI also made that clear on 27th May.