§ 37. Mr. Willisasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what airfields near Edinburgh are being considered as alternative airports to Turnhouse.
§ Mr. LindgrenNone, Sir.
§ Mr. WillisMay we take it that the Minister is satisfied that Turnhouse aerodrome will meet the requirements of Edinburgh in any season?
§ Mr. LindgrenThere may have to be diversions to other airports, owing to exceptional weather conditions.
§ Mr. WillisCan my hon. Friend say where those diversionary airports will be?
§ Mr. LindgrenProbably Leuchars; possibly Renfrew or Prestwick.
§ 38. Mr. Willisasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what landing difficulties are anticipated at Turnhouse aerodrome during the winter; and whether these are likely to result in a cessation of the London—Edinburgh air service.
§ Mr. LindgrenBad weather may occasionally interrupt the service, but otherwise it will continue.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ElliotIs the Minister aware that those using this airport are afraid that under other conditions, not especially bad weather conditions, this service will be interrupted, and will he take steps to improve the airport?
§ Mr. LindgrenThe airport is not as entirely satisfactory as we would desire, and any improvement in navigational aids that can be made is being done.
§ Mr. WillisIs the Minister prepared to consider East Fortune, Drem and Macmerry as alternatives rather than Leuchars, Renfrew and Prestwick?
§ Mr. LindgrenRegarding East Fortune, an undertaking was given that, owing to 374 the presence of a sanatorium in the vicinity, it would not be used for civil aviation purposes in peacetime.