§ 18. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchisonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many Atlantic arrivals and departures, to and from Prestwick, took place during the month of June by British and foreign airlines.
§ Mr. LindgrenIn the month of June, there were 58 arrivals and 60 departures to and from Prestwick Airport on Transatlantic services by British airlines; there were 54 arrivals and 56 departures by foreign airlines.
§ Sir Peter MacdonaldCan the hon. Gentleman say the number of passengers carried in each plane?
§ Mr. LindgrenI cannot at the moment. Perhaps the hon. Member will put a Question on the Paper.
§ 21. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchisonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, when work on the third runway for Prestwick may be expected to start.
§ Mr. LindgrenNo target date for starting work on a third runway additional to the two provided by the Government during the war, and now in use for Trans-Atlantic and other services, can be given at present. Various alternative schemes have been examined from a technical and engineering standpoint, but additional information on a number of points is still awaited. Any practicable scheme seems likely to be costly, both in labour and expense. This factor must affect the timing of the work, although my noble Friend is concerned to ensure that its execution shall be in phase with the probable needs for such a development of the aerodrome.
§ Colonel HutchisonWill the hon. Gentleman press this matter, as local authorities' housing schemes and many other desirable improvements are being held up by indecision on this important question?
§ Mr. LindgrenYes, Sir. The matter is now being discussed by the Minister and the Secretary of State for Scotland.
§ Mr. GallacherCan the hon. Gentleman say when Scottish-built aeroplanes will use these runways?