§ Mr. James Molyneaux (Antrim, South) (by private notice)asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he proposes to take in view of the continuing interruption of air communications between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. David Mitchell)I appreciate the considerable inconvenience that the closure of Aldergrove airport has caused. Although there are other means of transport available, including ferry services, many people have had to postpone journeys or make alternative travel arrangements. This sort of situation cannot fail to add to the difficulties that industry and commerce in Northern Ireland have to face. The Government are not, however, directly involved in this dispute. It is one between Northern Ireland Airports Limited and some of its employees. I understand that a joint statement by the Northern Ireland airport company and the union will be made later this afternoon to announce the results of discussions that have now concluded. Like right hon. and hon. Members, I hope that there will be a successful conclusion.
§ Mr. MolyneauxIs the hon. Gentleman aware that we share his satisfaction at the fact that the two sides have now come together and that there has already been a report that something constructive has emerged from that? Does he agree that the recent disruption to traffic highlights the demand that our party has repeatedly made from this Bench, namely, that there should be an increased number of links, both surface and air, between Great Britain and Northern Ireland? Does this not also highlight the need for further study on the lines of the recommendations of the Northern Ireland Economic Council?
§ Mr. MitchellI recognise the importance of Northern Ireland maintaining as far as possible sea and air links with Great Britain. I have some reason to believe that the dispute will be settled later today and that we may expect the airport to return to normal working later this evening.
§ Mr. James Kilfedder (Down, North)If there is no settlement of the dispute this afternoon, will the Government become involved, in view of the great hardship caused to business people and holidaymakers, and the disruption of freight? Surely it is possible for the Government to act more quickly, rather than to allow the public to be inconvenienced, as has happened so far.
§ Mr. MitchellI understand that freight services are not involved in the dispute. There are many occasions when it is wiser to leave it to the respective parties to settle their own differences.
§ Mr. Robert Atkins (Preston, North)Are the employees who are involved in the dispute members of a Civil Service union, rather like employees of the Civil Aviation Authority, or are they civil servants in their own right?
§ Mr. MitchellNo, they are not members of that union.