§ 34. Dr. A. Thompsonasked the Minister of Aviation whether he will set up a small committee to investigate Scotland's requirements in air transport over the next 10 years.
§ Mr. MartenNo, Sir. I do not think it is necessary to set up a special committee for this purpose.
§ Dr. ThompsonWill not the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that any plans for the industrial expansion of Scotland must be matched by provision for improved air facilities, better services within the United Kingdom and direct links with Europe, better tourist facilities and links with overseas countries? In the light of that, will he have an over-all look at the problems of Scotland and perhaps consider the possibility of setting up a Scottish air travel authority?
§ Mr. MartenAt present there are the Highland Transport Inquiry under Lord Cameron, which has made an investigation, the Committee of Inquiry into the Scottish Economy under Sir John Toothill, the Scottish Council, the 462 Highland Transport Board and the Scottish Advisory Committee for Civil Aviation, all of which deal with this subject.
§ Mr. ManuelWhat are the considered views of the Minister of Aviation and the Secretary of State for Scotland, who received a report from B.E.A. a year ago about the Scottish internal services? Have they reached a decision on that matter yet?
§ Mr. MartenThat was a question of the Highlands and Islands. In the White Paper it is clearly stated that these internal services will be maintained as social services.
§ Dr. ThompsonThe hon. Gentleman mentioned the Toothill Report. Is he aware that it was made three years ago and condemned the rate of growth of air travel in Scotland as inadequate to the new needs of both industry and tourism? Will the hon. Gentleman read that Report and do something about it?
§ Mr. MartenI was only saying that this was one of the reports studying the problem and that setting up a further small committee would not carry it much further.