§ 35. Sir T. Mooreasked the Minister of Aviation what is the present position with regard to the construction of the proposed loop road round the end of the main runway at Prestwick Airport; and when he expects it, or any alternative method of overcoming the existing difficulties, to be completed.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)In agreement with the Ayr County Council, the controlled crossing of the runway will continue in operation for the present. When the Prestwick by-pass is completed it is hoped that much traffic will be diverted from the runway crossing. We shall however watch the position carefully when the extended runway is in use next summer and a loop road will be provided if the need for it is shown.
§ Sir T. MooreMay I take it from that Answer that the tunnel alternative is now definitely ruled out of further consideration?
§ Mr. RipponI think that my hon. Friend is as aware of the difficulties in this case as I have now become. I am sure that he will appreciate that to build a tunnel would involve digging up part of the runway extension and protracted interruption of its use, and that it is not really a feasible proposition.