HC Deb 19 March 1969 vol 780 cc466-7
30. Mr. Rankin

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is satisfied that British Overseas Airways Corporation have adequately filled the gap in North Atlantic services created by his action in limiting Scandinavian Airline System flights through Prestwick; what consultations he has had with the Governments of Sweden, Norway and Denmark on the matter; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. William Rodgers

It is by its own commercial choice that Scandinavian Airlines System operates fewer North Atlantic services through Prestwick than it is permitted to. B.O.A.C. has increased its North American services at Prestwick in recent years and United States and Canadian airline services have also increased.

Since an understanding was reached in December, 1965, I have neither received nor made any request for consultations on this topic with the Governments concerned.

Mr. Rankin

Is it not the case that, at the moment, something like 80 international services are using Prestwick airport? If my hon. Friend and Prestwick want to increase that number, why does not he try to get S.A.S. to resume the services it discarded rather than direct medium-haul services making for Glasgow Airport into Prestwick?

Mr. Rodgers

I am familiar with my hon. Friend's powerful advocacy of the cause of Glasgow, which we have de bated on several occasions. [Interruption.] I am sure we would—

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, will you restrain this crowd of hooligans here so that I can hear what is being said?

Mr. Speaker

Order.

Mr. Rodgers

I think that S.A.S. has found it not worth operating as many flights as it intended because it faced a great deal of competition, including the excellent services provided by B.O.A.C.