HC Deb 17 June 1953 vol 516 cc943-4
1. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation what developments are proposed by his Department in Scotland during the present year, apart from those at Prestwick.

The Minister of Civil Aviation (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)

A new terminal building and control tower are now under construction at Renfrew Airport, and it is hoped to start work on a new terminal building at Edinburgh (Turnhouse) Airport later this year.

Major Anstruther-Gray

Is my right hon. Friend really satisfied with that reply? Does it show that we are being sufficiently urgent in pressing the need for this development?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

We are doing our best to see that a fair share of the development goes to Scotland, and I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that, apart from London Airport, more money will be spent on Renfrew this year than on any similar project in any other part of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Woodburn

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, in regard to these developments, how far success has been achieved in providing a runway at Edinburgh Airport capable of receiving the most modern machines?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

When I make the fuller statement about the airport, which, when answering Questions I have hinted I shall make, I shall deal with that particular point.

Major McCallum

Arising out of the original answer, may I ask my right hon. Friend what developments are likely in Scotland this year in helicopter flying services?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

This Question was intended, I take it, to obtain from me details, which I am very glad to give, of the expenditure for which I am responsible. In regard to the actual services, I am told by B.E.A. that they hope to improve the frequency, capacity and timing of their services in Scotland during the current year, but, in Scotland as elsewhere, on helicopter development there is still a very great deal of early work to be done.