§ 7. Mr. Knox Cunninghamasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether a decision has yet been reached as to the future of Belfast Airport at Nutts Corner, County Antrim; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeaveMy right hon. Friend has decided that Nutts Corner should continue to be the main civil airport in Northern Ireland. A number of possible sites have been surveyed, but a suitable alternative to Nutts Corner could be provided only at an unjustifiable cost. The Government of Northern Ireland have been kept fully informed throughout.
§ Mr. Knox CunninghamI thank my hon. Friend for his reply, which will he welcomed by many people in South Antrim. Can he say how much money will be expended on the improvements to Nutts Corner Airport? Will he do everything in his power to expedite this work because of the present employment situation in Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. NeaveI think that a new terminal area, that is to say, a new terminal building and an apron, will be required. At a rough estimate, that will cost about £500,000. I cannot say exactly how we shall proceed in this matter, but it is now under discussion.
§ 24. Mr. Hydeasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what plans he has for providing an alternative airport in Northern Ireland to Nutts Corner when aircraft have to be diverted on account of bad weather.
§ Mr. NeaveAn alternate aerodrome to Nutts Corner already exists at Alder-grove. On only 1 per cent. of occasions are aircraft prevented from landing at one or other of these aerodromes through bad weather. The possibility of providing a second alternate in Northern Ireland is now being considered.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkHas my hon. Friend considered the possibility of Eglinton and Ballykelly, near Londonderry, both of which are in my constituency?
§ Mr. NeaveWe have Ballykelly under consideration at the moment, but 1 should warn my hon. Friend that there are difficulties there about the installation of navigational aids and other matters.