HC Deb 23 June 1965 vol 714 cc1748-9
28. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will now take steps to encourage competition in the internal air services with Scotland.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I have nothing to add to the statement which I made to the House on 17th February and which was debated here on 1st March.

Mr. Campbell

Has not the recent strike shown how desirable it is that there should be competition rather than monopoly, especially as the only way in which the Minister of Labour could get to Glasgow by air was by a special flight put on by the particular independent airline which the Government had previously discouraged—the discouragement being making it clear that it would not be allowed any more frequencies?

Mr. Jenkins

The fact that the airline in question was able to put on a flight on that day at its own choice underlines the point that I have made, that it was always free to fly, and it has now announced its intention of recommencing scheduled services in July. The choice was, and is, for the airline.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Is not the Minister aware that the reason why this airline has chosen to come back into the field is that another private enterprise airline was proposing to do so, and is not this a classic example of the need for further competition on the airlines to Scotland and the advantages that such competition produces?

Mr. Jenkins

This also indicates that there is an opportunity for competition if the independents wish to provide it.