The Marquess of Hamiltonasked the Minister of Aviation what plans he has to encourage the development of air freight; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe development of air freight, like other British air services, rests within the commercial judgment of interested operators, subject to compliance with licensing requirements. British operators are well aware of the growing importance of air freight and have shown themselves eager to provide facilities for it, wherever they consider there is an economic demand. Facilities for handling air freight are regularly provided at the aerodromes under my control and are being developed as necessary. At Heathrow, for example, my Department is currently planning to provide a new Freight Terminal.
The Marquess of Hamiltonasked the Minister of Aviation when he expects air freight to be competitive with alternative road, rail and sea services.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe value of goods exported from and imported into the United Kingdom by air increased at a rate of 22 per cent. per year during the five years 1958–63 as against an increase of 5 per cent. per year in the value of total exports and imports over the same period. Air freight has thus become competitive with surface transport over an increasing range of goods and routes and I expect this trend to continue.