Sir NICHOLAS GRATTANDOYLE:

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) whether there is any flying service now available between London and Leeds; and, if not, how is it suggested that Members of Parliament may fly to their constituencies according to recent announcements;

(2) whether, in view of the fact that the company which served Newcastle-upon-Tyne and the North-East Coast in flying services has ceased to function, he can say what service is available for Members of Parliament who desire to fly to their constituencies in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and the North-East Coast?

The arrangements for the issue of "air warrants" to hon. Members are necessarily applicable only to cases where suitable air services are in operation. I regret that there is at present no such service connecting London directly with Leeds, or with Newcastle-upon-Tyne and the North-East Coast.

Is there any prospect of these services being resumed; and can my right hon. Friend say what is the cause of the cessation of the services that have been in operation, and whether it is the same service that operates between London and Leeds and between London and Newcastle?

I should like to have notice of all those questions.

Surely my right hon. Friend has the facts in his possession? There was a service which Members of Parliament had the right to use, and now it is not available. Surely it is the business of my right hon. Friend to supply the deficiency?

If my hon. Friend means that it is the business of the Government to establish a Government air service, I am afraid I cannot agree. My hon. Friend asked me a specific question, which I have answered. If he is asking me now what are the circumstances in which a private undertaking ceased to run a service, surely he must see that I cannot possibly answer that question without notice.

Are any arrangements being made whereby Members can fly away from their constituencies?

I expect that in some cases the constituents will arrange for that.

When my right hon. Friend speaks of cases in which suitable services are in operation, does he mean suitable according to a standard laid down by the Air Ministry, or any public service?

I meant services which would suit Members.

Is it not possible to get to Newcastle by the London and North-Eastern Railway?