§ 39. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Aviation why the changeover from Renfrew Airport to Abbotsinch will not take place before the end of 1964.
§ Mr. WoodhouseThis is the earliest date by which the necessary work can be completed and the changeovers sensibly effected. It would be impractible to change from Renfrew to this new airport during the peak summer season.
§ Mr. RankinWill the hon. Gentleman take into consideration two factors? First, does he realise that the risk of landing large machines like the Vanguard at Renfrew Airport in high winds due to the turbulence caused among the cranes along Clydeside is fairly serious? Secondly, is he aware that passengers using Renfrew Airport are provided with totally inadequate accommodation? As these are two very serious aspects of the problem, would the hon. Gentleman try to get the Navy to put to sea at least a year earlier than is proposed?
§ Mr. WoodhouseI would not wish to exaggerate the danger to which the hon. Gentleman referred in the first part of his supplementary question, although considerations of that kind, of course, led to the decision to transfer the airport. With regard to the second part of his supplementary question, it is impossible, 26 and has always been recognised to be impossible, for the Navy to move before October, 1963.