§ 16. Mr. Manuelasked the Minister of Aviation when he expects to announce a decision on the application by Overseas Aviation Limited for internal route rights from Prestwick Airport.
§ Mr. RipponMy right hon. Friend is considering the advice of the Air Transport Advisory Council upon this application and hopes to announce his decision shortly.
§ Mr. ManuelCould the Parliamentary Secretary indicate whether it is to be announced this week; if not, when will it be announced? The hon. Gentleman will be aware of the interest and concern of the Ayr County Council, with a population of 320,000 people and without feeder services. Over and above that, there is the whole potential of south-west Scotland, which is quite untapped so far as internal air services are concerned.
§ Mr. RipponI hope a decision will be announced within the next fortnight. I am aware of the support that exists for the increased internal services from Prestwick.