§ 10 and 11. Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Minister of Aviation (1) having regard to the fact that passengers are expected to climb flights of stairs and thereafter pass down a ramp before boarding aircraft at the civil airport of Aldergrove in County Antrim, what steps he is taking to install a one-way escalator similar to those in use at London Airport;
(2) what progress is being made with the plans to improve the facilities at the civil airport at Aldergrove in County Antrim.
§ Mr. StonehousePlans for an extension of the terminal building, in order to relieve congestion and to permit a general improvement in facilities, are well advanced and will be completed shortly. 419 The proposal to install an escalator is one of the questions being considered.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there was quite appalling congestion at the airport last summer and that, owing to the increase in passengers, there is likely to be further congestion? Will he expedite these plans as rapidly as possible, and can he give some indication when the work is likely to start?
§ Mr. StonehouseThe various plans are now being considered. I have had reports sent to me about the position. I hope to see the airport myself at some stage. I can assure the House that these plans are being considered now.
§ Mr. WoodburnWhen my right hon. Friend is considering these airport arrangements, will he consider the possibility of using the caterpillar landing, which makes it possible for people to board an aircraft without having to go out into the wet?
§ Mr. StonehousePiers are being constructed at Heathrow which will help this to be achieved, and we hope that this can be extended elsewhere as well.