HC Deb 11 July 1960 vol 626 cc953-4
1. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Aviation if he has considered the letter, dated 26th May, 1960, from the Scottish Advisory Council for Civil Aviation, protesting against the surcharge proposed by his Department for the Aberdeen-Orkney-Shetland routes and what reply he has sent.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)

The Council's letter put forward no grounds for departing from the decision which was explained to the House on 16th May by my right hon. Friend; and I have replied to the Scottish Council accordingly.

Mr. Hughes

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the Council mentioned in the Question is a highly representative and authoritative body, representing such bodies as the Convention of Royal Burghs, the Association of County Councils in Scotland, the Counties of Cities Association, the Scottish T.U.C., the Highlands and Islands Panel, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, the Scottish Transport Council, as well as the Minister's own Ministry? Will the hon. Gentleman read the letter again in order to realise that there are reasons set out in the letter which deserve that the whole matter should be reconsidered so that justice can be done for Scotland?

Mr. Rippon

I appreciate the representative character of the Council, but I do not think it is necessary to read the letter again.