§ 3.15 p.m.
Lord BELHAVEN and STENTONMy 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 what their policy is in view of the recommendation of the Civil Airports Authority, made with the support of all local authority representatives and local Members of Parliament, that the necessary funds should be made available to ensure that the services at Highlands and Islands airports are kept at the present level.
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, the Government are not aware of any proposal to close any of these aerodromes or to reduce the services at them below their present level. They will continue to receive a measure of subsidy from public funds, but inevitably steeply rising costs must result in the charges at the aerodromes being raised.
Lord BELHAVEN and STENTONMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply, but can he give the House any assurance that the rate of subsidy will continue in line with the rate of inflation and will not push the price of maintaining these airports in remote areas beyond the rate of inflation which we already have?
§ Lord TREFGARNENo, my Lords, I am afraid I cannot give that assurance. The subsidy must come from public funds and, like all items of public expenditure, we have to keep it under review.
§ Viscount THURSOMy Lords, does the noble Lord agree that one of the steeply rising costs of these airports is the sum of money that they have to pay in rates? Would it not be a sensible idea to derate these small local airstrips for the benefit of the communities which they serve?
§ Lord TREFGARNEThat is a matter which we could consider, my Lords, but I can confirm that indeed increases in rates have been one element of recent cost increases.
§ Viscount THURSOMy Lords, can the noble Lord give me an assurance that the matter will be considered?
§ Lord TREFGARNEYes, my Lords; I can certainly give an assurance that it will be considered, but I cannot forecast the outcome of that consideration.