HC Deb 24 February 1997 vol 291 cc43-4W
Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will instruct NHS hospital trusts that normal BT callbox charges should apply to all payphones within hospitals. [17394]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

No. This is a matter for trusts to determine at local level.

Mr. Kynoch

The progress made by Scottish Enterprise in promoting direct air links with the United States of America has been greatly assisted by the changes which the Government have introduced to give airports and airlines the freedom of choice to operate scheduled and chartered flights from any Scottish airport wherever it is judged that such flights would be commercially viable. We have also indicated to the United States' Government that we favour the further extension of long-haul cargo liberalisation. The contribution made by Scottish Enterprise to the development of these policies has been invaluable.

While the establishment of air services is ultimately a commercial matter for the operators, Scottish Enterprise has pursued a range of initiatives designed to promote the expansion of Scotland's direct air links with the USA. I have asked the chairman of Scottish Enterprise to write to the hon. Member.