HC Deb 17 March 1965 vol 708 c1275
36. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Aviation why taxi-drivers are refused facilities for picking up passengers at Renfrew Airport.

Mr. Stonehouse

Taxi-drivers may pick up passengers when called from their rank which is about 100 yards from the terminal building. There is a clear line of sight between the two. Passengers usually have no problem in summoning taxis, but, in order to make it still easier, a call-button connected to an illuminated sign is being installed in the terminal building.

Mr. Rankin

While I thank my hon. Friend for that little concession, may I ask if he is aware that trouble still exists, and that it resides in the fact that, in 1953, the Tory Government granted Caledonian Cars a 12-year monopoly agreement at Renfrew Airport to provide services for air passengers at prices, unfortunately, which most of them could not pay? In view of the fact that that contract is now ripe for re-examination, will my hon. Friend look at it very carefully before he renews it?

Mr. Stonehouse

I should like to thank my hon. Friend for his initial observation. We shall certainly bear in mind what he has said. I am satisfied that there is room for a car-hire facility at this airport.