HC Deb 23 June 1965 vol 714 cc1740-1
18. Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Minister of Aviation on what British domestic routes independent airlines are now operating scheduled services.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

As the list is a long one, made up of more than 70 routes, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Is it not unfortunate that the independents should have ceased to operate to areas which need industrial development and the furtherance of tourism? Furthermore, is it not true that if more independents had been operating, vast inconvenience and even suffering might have been avoided for many thousands of the British public who were the victims of the vicious strike at Whitsun?

Mr. Jenkins

As I pointed out to the Rouse after I made my statement in February, it was entirely by the choice of the independent airline concerned that it withdrew from the routes in question. Although that might have been received with scepticism, as it was, by right hon. and hon. Members at the time, I imagine that they now feel less scepticism at the fact that in the complete absence of any change of policy by myself, the independent operator in question has now announced his return to the routes from 1st July.

Mr. McMaster

Is not the Minister aware that his own statement that he would not grant increased frequencies to these independent operators caused them to withdraw from these routes and that unless they are persuaded to return to them, we cannot hope to have a healthy aircraft industry?

Mr. Jenkins

As I have pointed out, it has been stated by British Eagle—if Press reports are correct—that it is returning to the London-Glasgow route on 5th July. I believe that this operator has indicated that he will also return to the other routes.

Sir Ian Orr-Ewing

At what frequency?

Mr. Jenkins

At frequencies which he formerly enjoyed under the previous Administration and which I have not restricted. The choice of whether to operate those frequencies was in February, and still is today, a choice for the operator.

Following is the list:

British domestic routes on which summer scheduled services by independent airlines are advertised Footnotes
  1. 1. This information is drawn from published commercial sources, and it may, therefore, not reflect all the latest changes.
  2. 2. When services are shown as operating from "A" to "B" or "C" or "D", there are services in each case from "A" to all of those points, but not necessarily between "B", "C" and "D".
  3. 3. Otherwise either end of any service may be regarded as the starting point and no special significance attaches to the broad alphabetical grouping adopted.