HC Deb 11 December 1968 vol 775 cc423-4
40. Mr. Eadie

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has studied the Report of the Scottish Board for Development and Industry on passenger flying services in Scotland; and what action he proposes to take.

Mr. William Rodgers

I assume my hon. Friend has in mind the evidence submitted by the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) to the Edwards Committee. I have certainly read it, but must await the Committee's report before deciding what action to take.

Mr. Eadie

Is my hon. Friend aware that at Turnhouse Airport, Edinburgh, we have two morning flights to London within about 35 minutes of each other, and that people have to use cars because the commuter services do not seem to fit in with those flights? Does he not think that this situation requires some investi gation?

Mr. Rodgers

I agree that there are problems about operations at Turnhouse but, in the last resort, some matters must be left to the commercial judgment of the operators themselves. If I understand my hon. Friend's supplementary question aright, it comes within that category.

Mrs. Ewing

Is the Minister aware that the results of policies followed by successive London Governments has been to separate Scotland from most other countries? Has he seen the B.E.A. summer timetable, which shows that Scotland is not linked with any country in Europe? Will he recommend that Scotland should now be brought back into the world and linked by direct flights to other countries in Europe?

Mr. Rodgers

I am wholly in favour of Scotland maintaining its links with other parts of Europe. I am sure that in organising their air services, B.E.A. and others have this approach in mind, given the traffic which is available to them to carry.

Mrs. Ewing

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.