HC Deb 01 May 1961 vol 639 cc882-3
15. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Minister of Aviation if comprehensive plans have been prepared by his Department for the development of internal air services between the cities of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Thorneycroft

No, Sir. The Ministry of Aviation does not operate air services.

Mr. Roberts

Does the Minister intend in the near future to give financial aid to some of our domestic airports? He will appreciate that there are one or two airports in the north of England which require financial assistance from the Ministry for which he is responsible.

Mr. Thorneycroft

At present, the airports as a whole in this country are being run at a loss—remedied somewhat, we hope, by the very proper decision to put up landing charges—but no one can say that they are not receiving some form of Government assistance at present.

Mr. P. Williams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a certain dissatisfaction with the services presently provided by B.E.A. on a monopoly basis? Should not these things be looked into in due course by the new Licensing Board?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The decision of Parliament to establish the Air Transport Licensing Board is, of course, the answer to any suggestion of a monopoly position.