HC Deb 04 February 1959 vol 599 cc380-2
17. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has noted the decision of Ayrshire County Council not to co-operate in the reconstruction of Prestwick Airport; and what effect he estimates that this will have on the reconstruction programme.

Mr. Watkinson

I have noted the resolution with great regret. I realise the disappointment of the council that, for reasons which I have fully explained to it, I cannot agree to a tunnel. I still hope that on further consideration the council will be prepared to co-operate with my Ministry. I am sure that we are all agreed that the development of the airport must go on, and meantime it will be necessary to continue the present unsatisfactory road crossing of the runway. I am determined in any event that the runway extension must be ready in time for the big jets.

Mr. Rankin

While appreciating that, may I ask whether the Minister realises that the resolution of the Ayr County Council is a measure of the dissatisfaction of the council with the Minister's decision on the road diversion, and that the dissatisfaction is felt largely throughout Scotland? In view of the importance of Prestwick Airport particularly in fog periods, is not it regrettable that the right hon. Gentleman is spending so little upon its development?

Mr. Watkinson

I am surprised that the hon. Gentleman, who takes a deep interest in this matter, has not considered the fact, which is I think also generally accepted in Scotland, that, whatever the past may have been, to dig a long, deep tunnel under the runway now would mean that the last sentence in my Answer could not be carried out, because the runway would not be ready in time.

Sir T. Moore

If there is to be all this trouble because of the short-sighted policy of the Ayr County Council, might not it be better to leave the road over the runway as it exists at present and rely on the proposed by-pass between Prestwick and Ayr to take the main traffic?

Mr. Watkinson

I think the new by-pass will give great relief. I have said that I have no option at the moment but to continue the very unsatisfactory business of having people walking over the main runway. We have to realise that it is too late both to have the runway ready for the big jets and to conduct a major tunnelling operation.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I give notice, as one of the Members for Ayrshire, that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.