§ 13. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Aviation if he will consider increasing the lengths of the runways at Glenegedale, Kirkwall and Sumburgh airports so that British European Airways can use the Viscount 800 on these routes in order to meet increasing traffic demands.
§ Mr. StonehouseI am already considering various arrangements, one of which would involve increasing runway lengths at these aerodromes. I hope to reach a decision soon.
§ Mr. RankinWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that encouraging reply, may I ask him whether in considering the matter he will bear in mind that for a long while seating capacity on the northern air routes has not met the demands? Will he keep in mind that the only solution is to operate the Viscount 800, and that means lengthening the runways?
§ Mr. StonehouseWe will certainly bear that point in mind. We are considering various ways in which the additional demand can be met.