§ 7. Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Minister of Aviation what proposals or representations he has received for the construction of new landing strips within the seven crofting counties.
§ Mr. StonehouseI know of a number of projected new airstrips in the crofting counties, and I have written to the hon. Member giving detailed information. I welcome the initiative shown by the local authorities and I shall continue to put my Department's technical advice at their disposal.
§ Mr. Russell JohnstonWhile I thank the right hon. Gentleman for sending me this letter, may I ask whether he would agree that it would be a better thing for the Ministry to take a firmer initiative in this? As he said in his Answer, the initiative has come from the county councils, and if we are to build up a network of feeder aircraft in the seven crofting counties it would be more desirable that there should be some co-ordination from the centre so that they will not appear merely where there is a local demand.
§ Mr. StonehouseI believe that the system we have now is the correct one. The county councils take the initiative and we will then give them all possible assistance. Some financial assistance can be provided, and we can also give direct practical assistance in the construction of airstrips.
§ Mr. MartenWill the Minister resist these requests to put Government money into this sort of local affair and leave it to the local demand for these airstrips?
§ Mr. StonehouseNo. We are quite prepared to do this, because we appreciate the value, particularly in Scotland, of these small airstrips. We will give whatever assistance we can, providing the initiative comes from Scotland.