HC Deb 25 July 1956 vol 557 cc407-8
21. Mr. Grimond

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will take steps to open new landing fields in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Mr. Profumo

No, Sir. I am not aware of any demand from operators for such new facilities.

Mr. Grimond

May I asked the Minister to look into this matter of developing air services in the Highlands and Islands, which would seem to be a suitable area? Is he aware that the present service is absolutely full in summer and yet, for some reason, neither private nor public operators are opening new services? Is that because of the lack of suitable landing grounds, or aircraft, or the cost, or what is the reason?

Mr. Profumo

I do not fully share the view of the hon. Gentleman. A comparison between the Highlands and Islands routes operated by all the operators in the summer of 1939 and those operated today by B.E.A. alone, would show that on the western Scottish routes almost eight times as many seats are offered weekly today and in Orkney and Shetland almost five times as many.

Mr. Grimond

But there are no new routes.

Sir A. Gomme-Duncan

If my hon. Friend cannot think of opening new fields in the area, will he consider re-opening the port of Errol?

Mr. Profumo

Errol is being held on a care and maintenance basis against the need to cater for air services in the area.