HC Deb 27 November 1961 vol 650 cc24-5
33 and 34. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Aviation (1) if he has noted the recommendation of the Toothill Report that the case for a Scottish Airport authority should be examined; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will make a statement on Recommendation No. 19 of the Toothill Report with regard to the importance of air services in developing the economy of Scotland.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation (Mr. C. M. Woodhouse)

This interesting and important Report has only just reached me. I shall, of course, study it most carefully, but the hon. Member will not expect me to make any statement until I have finished doing so.

Mr. Rankin

In view of that comprehensive but unsatisfactory reply—because the Report was issued last Wednesday—[Laughter.] I thought that the Parliamentary Secretary would be smart off the mark, being fresh—may I ask him what evidence, written, oral, or both, his Ministry was asked to give to the Toothill Committee?

Mr. Woodhouse

I assure the hon. Member that I have been smart and fresh enough at least to read the relevant sections of the Report, but as it has been published only in the last few days, I am sure that he would agree that I have not had enough time to study the matter in detail. I cannot add anything now to my Answer, but I hope that it will be possible to make a statement on the Report before long.

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order. Surely it is competent to ask the hon. Member what evidence—[HON. MEMBERS: "That is not a point of order."]—his Department was asked—

Mr. Speaker

Would the hon. Member be good enough to indicate to me what he thinks is the point of order involved in that?

Mr. Rankin

Surely if it is not exactly a point of order—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—I might ask the hon. Gentleman to answer that part of my question.

Mr. Speaker

It may be that the hon. Member can do that, but not by rising with the words "On a point of order" when it is not a point of order.

Mr. Rankin

Can I ask the hon. Member if he will say what evidence his Department was asked to supply to the Toothill Committee?

Mr. Woodhouse

I cannot give an answer on specific evidence, but I can assure the hon. Member that we are constantly in touch with Mr. Toothill, who is the chairman of our Scottish Advisory Committee.