§ 46. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Aviation if he will introduce legislation to take over the powers of the Air Transport Licensing Board, in order to ensure the co-ordinated development of civil air services in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. StonehouseNo, Sir.
§ Mr. RankinIs my hon. Friend aware that when the 1960 Act was going through the House the Opposition, which is now the Government, strenuously opposed it on the grounds that we believed that this authority ought to rest with the Minister? Is he aware that if there is to be a co-ordinated development of civil air services in Scotland the only body which can do that is B.E.A., for the simple reason that the private operator only wants to run from Glasgow to London because of the profit margin and that no private operator has ever asked to run any other services in the whole of Scotland?
§ Mr. StonehouseWe believe that this system works in the best interests of the community and of the airlines. As the hon. Gentleman will know, there is in the system a right of appeal to the Minister.
§ Mr. RankinIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that Answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.