§ 32. Mr. Grimondasked the Minister of Aviation what steps he is taking to promote direct air services between Scotland 1312 and the Continent and, in particular, between Aberdeen and Scandinavia.
§ Mr. StonehouseI would be glad to see more direct services between Scotland and the Continent, provided there was traffic to justify them. But their provision is primarily a matter for the commercial judgment of the operators.
§ Mr. GrimondI am glad to hear that the hon. Gentleman is anxious to promote these services. Is he aware that there is a grave insufficiency of direct links with some development areas and that it seems contrary to regional policy to channel freight and passenger transport services through London? Will he discuss this with B.E.A., because there is a considerable demand from the development areas for direct links to the Continent?
§ Mr. StonehouseWe know that B.E.A. and the independent airlines have been considering whether direct flights could be arranged, and we are in close touch with them about it, but, in view of what the right hon. Gentleman has just said, we shall see that they are consulted again.