§ 6. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware of the lack of progress in civil aviation in Wales; and what steps he is taking to enable the Principality to have regular air services.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Neave)My right hon. Friend does not accept that there has been a lack of progress in civil aviation in Wales. He is anxious to encourage it further, but the airlines themselves must decide which services are economically justified. My right hon. Friend has already approved regular services by Cambrian Airways linking South Wales with many parts of England, the Channel Islands, Dublin and the Continent. The development of these services depends on the support given them by the travelling public.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Joint Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is continued neglect of the Principality by B.E.A.? Will he and his right hon. Friend bring appropriate pressure to bear on this public Corporation so that some little progress can be made in Wales, many parts of which have no regular air service?
§ Mr. NeaveMy right hon. Friend has this point very much in mind and I am glad to tell the hon. Member that I understand that negotiations between B.E.A. and Cambrian Airways are in progress and are likely to result in B.E.A. taking a greater interest in Cambrian's activities.