§ 4. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Aviation if he will provide separate Customs-free accommodation at Prestwick Airport for incoming transatlantic passengers intending to proceed to London.
§ Mr. RipponCustoms facilities already exist at Prestwick. It is for the airline concerned to decide whether to present passengers for clearance there or at London.
§ Mr. RankinThe Minister has not grasped the point of the Question. Perhaps that is my responsibility. Is he aware that after one of these long-distance aircraft has flown the Atlantic and has touched down at Prestwick for about 40 to 50 minutes passengers are kept on board? Is it not possible to give passengers the opportunity of a little release so that they may stretch their limbs before proceeding to London?
§ Mr. RipponArrangements are sometimes made for passengers to stretch their limbs a little, but Customs inspection as such would delay the aircraft, whatever the facilities.
§ Mr. RankinThe point of the Question is that there should be arrangements which would obviate the need for Customs inspection at Prestwick for those who are proceeding to London.
§ Mr. L. M. LeverLet them land at Manchester.
§ Mr. RipponCustoms inspection normally takes place in London with the large jet aircraft. This is a matter in which the airlines concerned attempt to determine what is the best procedure for themselves and for their passengers.