§ 21. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Aviation what reconsideration he is giving to developing Abbotsinch as the replacement for Renfrew Airport.
§ Mr. RankinIs the hon. Member aware that development at Abbotsinch is so slow that it has not even reached the stage of crawling? Does he realise that at Abbotsinch we have 773 acres of ground as compared with 232 acres at Renfrew, and that there, if he so desires, he can develop an airport for the future—something which Britain has never yet had? Is he further aware that every airport in use today was out of date before it was completed?
§ Mr. WoodhouseThe hon. Member often draws my attention to things of which I am not always totally aware, and I pay the closest attention to what he says. As to the speed of development at Abbotsinch, we expect to be able to move in there before the end of 1964. Renfrew will continue to be in operation until Abbotsinch is ready.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Minister aware that on frequent occasions in recent months passengers have had to be diverted from Renfrew to Prestwick because of weather conditions? Is he further aware that the same weather problem will exist at Abbotsinch? Does not he agree that the practical solution would be to develop Prestwick?
§ Mr. WoodhouseI am sorry that my Department cannot take responsibility for difficulties of weather which are liable to occur at any airport.
§ Mr. SpeakerAll this shows the danger of giving information in Questions.