HC Deb 13 May 1963 vol 677 cc941-3
35 Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Aviation whether design work on the new civil airport at Abbotsinch has been submitted and accepted.

Mr. Marten

The architects have prepared a design to our specification; whilst some details remain to be settled, the general layout is agreed and working drawings are being prepared.

Mr. Rankin

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that on 5th June, 1961, I was informed by either his predecessor or the predecessor before his predecessor—changes have been so rapid that the hon. Gentleman will understand the position—that Basil Spence and Partners had been appointed as architects and work was starting at once? Have they been engaged for nearly two years on this aspect of the work? When will something material arise at Abbotsinch?

Mr. Marten

If and when the negotiations with Glasgow Corporation are satisfactorily concluded. The Royal Navy will stop flying in July and will leave in November of this year. After that, if an agreement is reached, work will start. Clearly, however, we will not start work until we get agreement.

Mr. Rankin

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Defence, when Minister of Aviation, informed the House that Abbotsinch would be completed in 1963? He also said when making that statement that his mind was perfectly clear about what he was saying. Can the hon. Gentleman tell us that he will honour that promise made by the Government?

Mr. Marten

That promise was clearly made subject to negotiation. There are two sides to a negotiation, and when it is concluded, if it is concluded satisfactorily, this will go ahead.

Sir T. Moore

As that promise or so-called promise was made to me—

Mr. Rankin

The hon. Member is a liar.

Sir A. V. Harvey

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. The hon. Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Rankin) has just referred to my hon. Friend as a liar. Is that strictly in order?

Mr. Rankin rose

—

Mr. Speaker

Does the hon. Member wish to explain something?

Mr. Rankin

Yes, Mr. Speaker. There is absolutely no record in HANSARD to bear out what the hon. Member for Ayr (Sir T. Moore) is saying. The question was put by me, the answer was given to me, and if I said he was a liar that was a lapsus linguae.

Mr. Speaker

Do I understand that by the use of Latin words the hon. Member indicates that he wholly withdraws the expression?

Mr. Rankin

Yes, I have achieved my purpose.

Sir A. V. Harvey

The hon. Member quite clearly referred to my hon. Friend as a liar. He has not apologised. Surely, he should apologise and withdraw in the proper way, in conformity with the practice of the House.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member has withdrawn the allegation. If he had not, I should have been obliged instantly to order him to do so.

Sir T. Moore

I am sorry to stir up all this business, but is it not a fact that no decision has yet been reached in regard to the future use of Abbotsinch as an alternative to Renfrew Airport?

Mr. Rankin

The hon. Gentleman does not know what he is talking about. That is not true.

Mr. Marten

No decision has yet been reached because negotiations are still going on. Indeed, there is a meeting today with Glasgow Corporation and officials of the Ministry of Aviation.