§ 51. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what steps he is taking to give effect to the resolution on the future of Renfrew air base which has been sent to him by the Renfrewshire Federation of Labour Parties.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. John Profumo)The management of British European Airways and representatives of the trade unions concerned are still in consultation on this matter through the machinery of the National Joint Council for Civil Air Transport. We must not, of course, interfere with the recognised machinery for joint consultation.
§ Mr. RankinI accept that, but is the Minister aware that this letter in my hand indicates the widespread discontent in Scotland over the proposal to transfer the maintenance base at Renfrew to London Airport? Is the hon. Gentleman also aware that there is a widespread feeling that, although there is a case for its retention at Renfrew on strategic grounds, there is no case whatever on economical grounds for its removal?
§ Mr. ProfumoMy right hon. Friend is fully aware of the impact on Scottish industry and employment of the closing of the Renfrew maintenance base, but these matters have already been discussed with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and other Government Departments concerned.