§ 29. Sir W. Anstruther-Grayasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many proposals are now before him for improving the East of Scotland air services; how many of these cater for an additional port of call; and what aerodromes his Department is prepared to provide.
§ Mr. NeaveI understand that British European Airways are proposing to improve the frequency and convenience of some of their existing East Scottish services this summer, but my right hon. Friend has received no proposal involving any additional port of call in that area; the third part of the Question does not therefore arise.
§ Sir W. Anstruther-GrayMay I thank my hon. Friend for his encouraging reply to the first part of the Question? Will he not take steps to have an extra port of call made available between Edinburgh and Aberdeen, because it is very much needed?
§ Mr. NeaveIf any proposal by an operator does include a new port of call that point, of course, will certainly be considered by my right hon. Friend.
§ Lady TweedsmuirCan my hon. Friend say whether these proposals include the use of Viscount aircraft, and, if so, when will they come into operation as far north as Aberdeen?
§ Mr. NeaveI am afraid that we have not received the proposals yet, and therefore I do not know what type of aircraft is involved.
§ Mr. HoyIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that B.E.A. have already announced that the latest Viscount 800 will be in service on these routes?
§ Mr. NeaveI do not think that is so. We have not had a specific proposal for this particular service on the East Scottish routes.