§ 21. Mr. Onslowasked the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has to apply the airport consultation procedure provided under the Civil Aviation Act, 1968.
§ Mr. William RodgersWe have started consultations with associations representative of aerodrome owners and, in the 885 light of these, intend to designate aerodromes where there is evidence of public need and demand. A few requests for designation have already been received.
§ Mr. OnslowShould not the procedure be advertised, since aerodrome owners are less likely than the public to want to see it introduced? Will the hon. Gentleman do his utmost to see that the Act is made use of?
§ Mr. RodgersI will see that the provisions of the Act are known as widely as possible. I shall also bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman himself said during our debates on the Bill—that these provisions should be operated in a reasonable and sensible way.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyWould not the profitability of British civil airline operators be increased if they were more adventurous in opening up new routes in Britain?
§ Mr. RodgersI do not think that that would necessarily follow.