HC Deb 28 March 1960 vol 620 cc939-40
26. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will speed up the acquisition of starter equipment for Prestwick Airport to ensure that it will be available for the large jet aircraft when they begin using the airport in June of this year.

Mr. Rippon

As my right hon. Friend told the House on 9th March, the ordering of this equipment was put in hand as soon as it was established that the operators wished it to be provided. I hope that it will be available by June, but we have arranged to hire an existing starter if it is not.

Mr. Rankin

I hope Chat that is welcome news, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that the operators have been rather alarmed at what would appear to be the slowness of the Ministry in dealing with this matter? In view of that, the operators tried to get starter gear themselves but found Chat they could not get it for eight months. Will the Minister be able to get it before that time?

Mr. Rippon

The only reason for the delay is that the airlines concerned failed to agree on terms for the provision of the starting service until late last month.