HC Deb 07 February 1962 vol 653 cc403-5
11. Lady Tweedsmuir

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has now made to British European Airways concerning the Toot-hill Committee's suggestions on the improvement of air services in Scotland, in order to further industrial growth.

Mr. Maclay

I have asked my right hon. Friend the Minister of Aviation to consider the Toothill Committee's suggestions. B.E.A.'s present plans for its summer services provide for the use of larger aircraft and increased capacity on Scottish routes.

Lady Tweedsmuir

I thank my right hon. Friend for that Answer, which gives some encouragement. Has he pointed out in his representations that dissatisfaction with the air services in Scotland is not by any means a new thing and that a large number of British chambers of commerce, not least that in my constituency, the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, have constantly made representations about the importance of better air services? Has my right hon. Friend any hope that there will be an improvement in the winter months as well as in the summer schedules?

Mr. Maclay

I cannot forecast what will happen in the winter months, but I should tell my hon. Friend that the schedules have been sent to the Scottish Advisory Committee for Civil Aviation, to the Scottish Council, and to the Scottish chambers of commerce for comment.

Mr. Strachey

I hope that the right hon. Gentleman will not forget the needs of Dundee in this matter. It is the one major city of Scotland not served by a direct air service to London or to the South in general. This is really a very unsatisfactory situation.

Mr. Maclay

I am aware, and have been for some years, of Dundee's flying problems.

Mr. Brewis

Will my right hon. Friend keep in mind that we have a magnificent aerodrome at Prestwick? Will he ascertain whether we could have more services to that airport?

Mr. Rankin

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, since British European Airways began to operate, it has never had a single suggestion from any individual associated with the Toothill Committee, and, even though the Chairman of the Toothill Committee is also Chairman of the Scottish Advisory Council, he never asked B.E.A. to give evidence to his Committee and at no time did he himself make any suggestion for improving the services, although he had the opportunity to do so?

Mr. Maclay

This is getting very wide of the Question.