§ 2.47 p.m.
THE DUKE OF ATHOLLMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in considering the application of the Scandinavian Airlines System for a renewal of their licence to operate their North American routes through Prestwick, due regard has been paid to the tourist industry of Scotland, and especially to the amount of tourist literature which S.A.S. produce and distribute at their expense.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD CHESHAM)My Lords, the Scandinavian Airlines System operates trans-Atlantic services through Prestwick under rights granted by our Air Services Agreements with the Scandinavian countries. There is, so far as Her Majesty's Government are concerned, no question of cancelling the grant of these rights, but we are strongly of the opinion that the frequency of the Scandinavian Airlines System flights has for some time been excessive, and in the course of lengthy discussions between representatives of the three Governments this view has been urged on the Scandinavians. Discussions are still in progress, and in fact there is another meeting this very afternoon.
Her Majesty's Government have certainly paid full regard to Scottish interests, and particularly to the tourist industry, in deciding their attitude in the matter. The action they contemplate will leave ample capacity between Prestwick and North America, and there would also be ample capacity for the traffic between Scotland and Scandinavia, although admittedly the service would be less frequent. It is true that the Scandinavian Airlines System have conducted admirable publicity for Scotland and produce excellent tourist literature. There is no adequate reason why this should not continue if the Scandinavian authorities accept Her Majesty's Government's proposals.
THE DUKE OF ATHOLLMy Lords, I should like to thank my noble friend 1031 for his reply, especially for the part saying that full consideration has been given to the tourist industry in Scotland. I should just like to ask him whether he would consider it a suitable subject for discussion if I were to put down an Unstarred Question in about a month's time, when these negotiations are over?
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, I should always be pleased to try to accommodate the noble Duke. I should think that would be quite suitable and, quite frankly, this whole matter is so complex that it could be much more easily answered through an Unstarred Question than on a Starred Question.