HC Deb 26 March 1958 vol 585 cc420-1
20. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what volume of passenger traffic he estimates will be handled at Prestwick by 1960.

Mr. Neave

I expect that there will be about 175,000 terminal passengers together with a further 150,000 to 200,000 passengers in transit on flights to and from North America.

Mr. Rankin

In thanking the hon. Gentleman for that Answer, may I ask whether he realises that that is a great increase on the number which was handled last year? Can he assure us that, in view of that estimate, the redevelopment which has to take place at Prestwick will be in keeping with the estimated increase in traffic and that at Prestwick he will nor repeat the errors into which we were forced at London Airport?

Mr. Neave

My right hon. Friend and I have several times said that new schemes are necessary for Prestwick to meet the demands of the jet era. These are under consideration at the moment and I will certainly take into account what the hon. Member has said.

21. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what consultations he is having with the Secretary of State for Scotland in regard to the road problems which will originate from the redevelopment of Prestwick Airport.

Mr. Neave

We are acting in the closest consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in all matters concerning the redevelopment of Prestwick airport, including road problems. An engineering survey of the road problems has already been arranged.

Mr. Rankin

I appreciate all that the hon. Gentleman is seeking to do at Prestwick, but may I ask whether he realises that apart from the problem of redevelopment, which, I take it, is a minimum of redevelopment, there is now the problem of time and that time is running very much against us? Is it possible that the reconstruction may be speeded up?

Mr. Neave

I will certainly bear in mind what the hon. Member says. I should like to reaffirm, as my right hon. Friend has already said, that the Government consider this our second international airport.