§ Mr. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what discussions he has had with the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority on the subject of charges for airport air traffic control services in Scotland and the scope for economies;
(2) what discussions he has had with the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority about charges at Civil Aviation Authority's Highlands and Islands aerodromes and the scope for economies and decreased subsidies.
§ Mr. Allan StewartMy right hon. Friend and I met the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority on 3 March. Among the subjects discussed were the level of charges for navigation services at airports and the costs of running the Highlands and Islands aerodromes. We made it clear that we expect the authority to do all within its power to contain the cost of air navigation charges and to respond positively to the proposal of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade to transfer the Highlands and Islands aerodromes to the private sector, with a view to achieving more economical operation.