§ 17. Mr. Stodartasked the Minister of Aviation what communication he has received from No. 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron Association about the future of the Spitfire memorial aircraft at Turnhouse Airport; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI have told the Association that if ever the Royal Air Force leaves Turnhouse completely I will consider whether an alternative site for the Memorial Spitfire can be found on the aerodrome and that meanwhile there seems to be no reason why it should not remain where it is.
§ Mr. StodartIs my right hon. Friend aware of the great satisfaction which his reply will give to the citizens of Edinburgh, in view of the memories they hold of No. 603 Squadron and its wartime base at Turnhouse? Is my right hon. Friend also aware that plans are on foot for the replanning of the terminal buildings at Turnhouse? Will he consider the possibility of incorporating the memorial in the new terminal buildings? If not, can he give an assurance that in future he will always provide security for the Spitfire, even if he cannot completely undertake the costs of maintaining it?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftSome of these matters are a little hypothetical, because I understand that the R.A.F. is at the moment staying at Turnhouse. I think I can say that this memorial to these very gallant men will be preserved in a suitable form.