HC Deb 22 October 1952 vol 505 c990
26. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation what proposals have so far been submitted from private companies who are prepared to take over the aviation services in Scotland at present operated by the British European Airways Corporation.

Mr. Maudling

My right hon. Friend has received no firm proposals.

Mr. Beswick

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say where now are all those companies which were straining at the leash to take over these Scottish services?

Mr. Maudling

I think the companies are at their registered offices. I do not quite understand the purpose of the hon. Gentleman's question.

Lady Tweedsmuir

Is my hon. Friend aware that since State control the services in Scotland have been much reduced? Is it not a fact that it is not economic only to operate internal air services, and, therefore, can my hon. Friend say whether any tenders have been invited for services other than those for purely internal operation in Scotland?

Mr. Maudling

The Question asked what proposals have been received, and I said that my right hon. Friend has received no firm proposals. He has been anxious and continues to be anxious to examine any proposition put before him which in his opinion may contribute to the improvement of air services.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that since the last Question was asked statements have been made which indicate that there is a great hankering to go back to the romantic pioneering days of the opening up of Scottish air services, and would he be careful that any efforts made are gone into realistically so that people realise that modern conditions are quite different from the conditions of safety required in those days?

Mr. Maudling

My right hon. Friend is well aware of the requirement of modern conditions, but I would very much deprecate any writing down of the valuable work done by pioneer services.