§ 26. Mr. Shepherdasked the Minister of Aviation if he is aware of the delay and the suspension of service that arises through Manchester Airport having only one major runway; and when it is proposed to construct an alternative runway so that aircraft of all sizes may land without interference from crosswinds.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)No, Sir. This is a matter in the first place for the Manchester Corporation, which owns and operates the 844 airport. My right hon. Friend has received no proposals from it about a new alternative runway.
§ Mr. ShepherdDoes my hon. Friend not think that this is a most unsatisfactory state of affairs? We have here a major airport which is not capable, under certain weather conditions, of receiving aircraft larger than the Pionair. Is it not time that something was done about it?
§ Mr. RipponNo, Sir. The utilisation factor at Manchester is very high.