HC Deb 06 February 1957 vol 564 c426
30. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many additional movements of civil aircraft there were in and out of Prestwick Airport last December due to London Airport and other airports in the country being fogbound.

Mr. Watkinson

Forty-nine aircraft were diverted to, and later departed from, Prestwick.

Mr. Rankin

Does that make the Minister realise the importance of Prestwick Airport to civil aviation? Does he know that if it had not been for Prestwick movement of civil aircraft to and from this country during a period in last December would have been completely stopped? Will he now take steps to ensure that Prestwick is able to receive heavy aircraft in all types of weather, which at present is not the case?

Mr. Watkinson

The hon. Member will know that the new control tower for Prestwick has been designed and work will be started on it next summer. On the question of runway requirements, particularly for new large jet aircraft, we do not yet know enough about their performance to make decisions for Prestwick or any other airport, but I do regard Prestwick as a most important airport.

Mr. Rankin

In view of the tribute the right hon. Gentleman has paid to Prestwick, will he promise that the many words which have been spoken in its favour will now be turned into deeds?

Mr. Watkinson

At least we are building a control tower.