§ 23. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Aviation what plans he has for improving civil aviation facilities in Wales, including the provision of up-to-date airports.
§ Mr. WoodhouseSo far as I am aware, the effective demand for such facilities is being met, but if my hon. Friend has any specific shortcomings in mind I will be glad to look into them.
§ Mr. GowerIs my hon. Friend aware that the facilities now available are rather poorer than they were ten years ago—[HON. MEMBERS: "With a Tory Government."]—and has he noted the representations made by the Welsh Advisory Council?
§ Mr. WoodhouseI have noted the fact referred to in the latter part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question. I would remind him that the provision of more extensive air services is a matter for the airline operators. In the provision of additional airports, it is, in the first instance, for the local authorities to take the initiative.
§ Mr. GowerIs my hon. Friend aware that Wales is the only part of the United Kingdom which has not really been served at all by B.E.A.?
§ Mr. P. WilliamsB.E.A. does not serve the North-East, and does not want to either.
§ Mr. WoodhouseMay I draw the attention of my hon. Friend to the fact that extensive services are afforded to Wales by Cambrian Airways, in which B.E.A. holds one-third of the shares.