HC Deb 04 July 1960 vol 626 c11
15. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will state the number and names of the airports operating in Scotland, indicating the extent of passenger and other traffic dealt with at each, and the Customs facilities at each, during the last 12 months, and also indicating how these details compare with the corresponding details during each of the last 10 years.

Mr. Rippon

I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the airports operating in Scotland. The table of figures for the last ten years is too long to circulate, but I will send it to the hon. and learned Member.

Mr. Hughes

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Scotland's great tourist industry is being greatly penalised by inadequate air services, particularly on Sundays, and by the confusion which exists between his Department and the airlines? Will he hold a full-scale public inquiry into that confusion with a view to seeing that justice is done to Scotland?

Mr. Rippon

We are not aware of any such thing, and we do not envisage holding any such public inquiry.

Following is the answer: There are fifteen airports operating in Scotland at the present time:—
  • Aberdeen (Dyce).
  • Barra.
  • Benbecula.
  • Edinburgh (Turnhouse).
  • Inverness (Dalcross).
  • Islay (Port Ellen).
  • Kirkwall.
  • Machrihanish.
  • Perth (Scone).
  • Prestwick.
  • Renfrew.
  • Stornoway.
  • Sumburgh.
  • Tiree.
  • Wick.Y
 In addition, the R. A.F. airfields at Kinloss and Leuchars are available for diversions authorised by Air Traffic Control. These two airfields may also be used on prior permission for charter and private aircraft. All the aerodromes listed above have been continuously in operation during the past ten years. In addition the following aerodromes were in operation for limited periods during the last ten years:—
  • Leith (water aerodrome)—May, 1950 to May. 1959.
  • Macmerry—March, 1935 to May, 1953.
 In addition, the R.N. Air Station at Lossiemouth was made available for 9 months in 1959 in place of R.A.F. Kinloss. Customs facilities are available at the following airports:—
  • Prestwick—24-hour service.
  • Renfrew—Attendance on prior notice.
  • Edinburgh (Turnhouse)—Attendance on prior notice.
 These facilities have been available throughout the past ten years. In addition, Customs facilities for specific flights have been made available on request from time to time during the past ten years at various other Scottish aerodromes.