§ Mr. Geoffrey Lloydasked the Minister of Aviation, in view of the congestion of passenger handling facilities at London Airport and the growing demand for suitably timed direct flights from the Midlands to Continental destinations, if he will consult operators with a view to providing such services from Elmdon airport.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsThe development on a sound economic basis of international services from Elmdon and other provincial airports is highly desirable. Such services cannot, however, be38W mounted against the commercial judgment of the airlines.
My Department is currently conducting a Survey of points of origin and destination in the United Kingdom of air passengers on routes between London and the Continent and this information will be made available to help operators judge the strength of potential demand from points outside London. I shall be happy to consult with interested operators in regard to particular services.
It will remain necessary for intending operators to satisfy the Air Transport Licensing Board and procure the appropriate licences and in some cases for my Department to secure traffic rights.