§ 41 Mrs. McLaughlinasked the Secretary of State for Air (1) how many Royal Air Force personnel are stationed at Aldergrove; and what type of flight training is done there;
(2) what is the average number of flights per day from Aldergrove; and how many of these have been civil aircraft diverted from Belfast airport;
(3) to what extent the main runways at Aldergrove are suitable for trans-Atlantic aircraft; and if they are strong enough for regular flights to take off and land there.
Mr. WardThere are about 800 officers and airmen at Aldergrove. The meteorological squadron based at the airfield carries out normal squadron continuation training. The average daily number of flights is now 25. Diversions from Belfast Airport, Nutts Corner, mainly during the winter months, number about 25 a year.
The main runways at Aldergrove are strong enough for most existing trans-Atlantic aircraft but do not provide the take-off run required by the larger types if they are to fly direct.
§ Mrs. McLaughlinWhat is the full capacity that could be stationed at Alder-grove? Is there any likelihood that this capacity will be taken up in the near future? What is the maximum number of incoming and outgoing flights which 1271 could be undertaken from Aldergrove daily? Can my right hon. Friend say whether representations have been made to him about the possibility of the transfer of Belfast airport from Nutt's Corner to Aldergrove and what steps have been taken by his Ministry in connection with this matter?
Mr. WardI cannot answer the detailed questions put to me without notice, but I can say that discussions have started with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation and that the joint study will be completed as soon as possible.