HC Deb 08 December 1965 vol 722 c393
4. Mr. Buchanan-Smith

asked the Minister of Aviation what consultations he is having in order to provide proper airport facilities for Dundee.

Mr. Stonehouse

None, at present. This is a matter for the Dundee Corporation, which has been offered a measure of assistance towards the provision of certain equipment under the Technical Aid Scheme. I would also be prepared to consider financial assistance towards the provision of a hard runway on the airstrip at Dundee if there were firm prospects of a scheduled service to use it.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that an airstrip is no substitute for proper airport facilities and that an industrial development area such as Dundee and the surrounding district deserves an airport with proper facilities?

Mr. Stonehouse

I appreciate the case which Dundee has put forward and I have discussed it with those concerned, but before an expensive airport is developed we must make sure that scheduled airlines are prepared to fly into the area.