asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that, as a result of agreements recently concluded with British European Airways, six regular air services between Sussex and the Channel Islands will be operated from Shoreham Airport by private companies next year; and, if so, whether this indicates a relaxation of restrictions in international agreements on private companies operating scheduled services; and, if so, whether similar facilities will now be given to Cork Airways Company to operate scheduled services from Farmers' Cross Airfield, Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Airways Company.
I am aware that it has been the practice in Great Britain for some time to allow privately owned air companies to operate regular air services on certain routes. This practice has no bearing on my decision not to permit the operation of regular air services into Farmers' Cross Airfield, Cork. That decision was based on the fact that the facilities available at the airfield are not adequate and fall substantially below the internationally recognised standards for regular services. There has not been any relaxation in the international standards for safety.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state if it is because the meteorological services have not yet been completed in that area that the development of the Farmers' Cross Airfield as an airport is not being proceeded with?
The meteorological services there are quite inadequate for regular landings.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that when Shannon and Collinstown were closed recently owing to fog Farmers' Cross Airfield was free of fog? Is he also aware that at least 65 aeroplanes full of Cork people travelled by chartered aeroplanes from Collinstown and Shannon, apart altogether from hundreds of others who travelled privately, and is he satisfied that there is sufficient demand for the use of an airport in Cork to justify the establishment of an airport there if a suitable place can be found?
That supplementary includes a number of elements. If there is fog at Collinstown or Shannon it is no consolation to a person who wants to land there to know that he can land in Cork, as it will not bring him to his destination. The survey the Deputy refers to has nothing to do with the meteorological services.
Is it not a fact that Aer Lingus are determined not to allow any operation of planes other than from Collinstown so far as they can effect it; that the rest of the country is being put on the long finger?
We are extremely anxious to ensure that Shannon is kept going.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that it is no consolation to people who want to go to Cork that they will not be allowed to go there?
If you provide the service we will let them.