HC Deb 08 February 1967 vol 740 cc1641-2
37. Mr. Stodart

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will arrange for Turnhouse Airport, Edinburgh, to be equipped with surveillance radar.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

I am considering both this and the possibility of achieving improvements by other more economic means.

Mr. Stodart

Could the hon. Gentleman say what the cost of that improvement would be? Could he also estimate the present cost to aircraft which have to go flying around, unable to get down, because of lack of radar at Turnhouse? Is not Turnhouse the only major airport in Britain which lacks surveillance radar?

Mr. Mallalieu

The cost would be about £150,000. Delays there are much more due to cross winds than lack of that equipment.

Mr. Rankin

Could my hon. Friend tell us what progress he is making in getting Edinburgh Corporation to take over Turnhouse Airport and put in all the improvements that Edinburgh Members of Parliament want?

Mr. Mallalieu

I hope to meet the Lord Provost very shortly.