§ 19. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Minister of Aviation what steps he is taking to encourage civil flying and the provision of suitable airfields for this purpose in North Wales.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)Any operator wishing to provide a civil air service in North Wales has been able to apply to the Air Transport Advisory Council, which is about to be replaced by the Air Transport Licensing Board, for the necessary approval or licence. As to the provision of suitable airfields the possibility of using Hawarden for regular air services is under consideration. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air has agreed to provide facilities by prior arrangement at Valley in Anglesey for occasional civil flights.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Parliamentary Secretary realise that that is highly unsatisfactory? Is he aware that Wales is the only country in the British Commonwealth that is not served either by B.E.A. or B.O.A.C. and that it is really a scandalous state of affairs? Will he hold negotiations with officials of B.E.A. to see whether some start could be made so that the people in Wales can have the benefit of internal air transport?
§ Mr. RipponI realise, as I know the hon. Member does also, the difficulties which exist in North Wales in regard to 13 the provision of these services. The provision of the services themselves is, of course, a matter for the operator, at any rate in the first instance.