HC Deb 01 May 1961 vol 639 cc888-9
21. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he has yet appointed an architect to proceed with the planning of Abbotsinch Airport.

Mr. Rippon

I regret that this has taken rather longer than we had hoped, but I can assure the hon. Member that my right hon. Friend will make the appointment as soon as possible.

Mr. Rankin

May I assure the hon. Gentleman that I regret it too, because in February of this year, which is quite a long time ago, the hon. Gentleman told me—[HON. MEMBERS: "Question."]—the hon. Gentleman told me—[HON. MEMBERS: "Question."]—

Mr. Ross

Wait for it.

Mr. Rankin

I started with a question—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman is giving a reason for requiring some information and I do not think he is out of order yet.

Mr. Rankin

I was asking the hon. Gentleman whether he remembered that, from the Government Dispatch Box in the month of February, quite a long time ago now, he told me that an architect would be shortly appointed. Does he think that three months is a short period, and can he now say when the architect will be appointed? Will his right hon. Friend stand by the statement made at the Government Dispatch Box by his predecessor that Abbotsinch Airport will be available for use in 1963? Does he still stand by that promise even though so far he has broken his promise about the architect?

Mr. Rippon

Perhaps the last part of the supplementary question is the most important—

Mr. Rankin

Yes.

Mr. Rippon

We have no reason to believe that the airport will not be ready when required at the stated date. The hon. Member will recall that before we can appoint an architect we must draw up the detailed requirements for the airport as a whole. The architect is primarily concerned with the terminal building which has to be established in relation to the whole of the facilities. There have had to be a considerable number of discussions with other people. These preliminary matters should be dealt with in a matter of weeks.