HC Deb 19 July 1967 vol 750 cc2130-1
59. Sir Knox Cunningham

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress is being made with enlarging the air terminal buildings at Aldergrove in County Antrim; and when he expects the work on the terminal to be completed.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

Work on the main public areas is almost finished. The final stage is now well under way and all work on the terminal is expected to be completed by early October.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Will the present enlargement be sufficient to handle the very remarkable increase in growth that has taken place? As always before the increase has been underestimated, does the Minister think that it will be sufficient this time?

Mr. Mallalieu

It will be sufficient, so I am advised, for the foreseeable future—not, I hope, for all time.

60. Sir Knox Cunningham

asked the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has for improving landing facilities at Aldergrove Airport in County Antrim so that the larger aircraft of the future may use the civil airport for Ulster.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

None at present, but extensions to the main run-was are safeguarded, and the needs of all future types of aircraft likely to operate into Aldergrove are kept continually under review.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Should not some detailed study be given to making the Ulster airport fit for jet traffic from across the Atlantic and, if necessary, should not plans for completing the runways be put in hand?

Mr. Mallalieu

There are plans in embryo for this increase. The No. 1 runway could be extended to a length of 12,000 ft., which would be entirely adequate for transatlantic traffic, but there is no evidence at the moment that there is need for it.

Mr. McMaster

Is not the Minister of State aware that a lot of intending passengers from Northern Ireland to America have first to use the international airport on this side of the Channel, when planes could fly from Northern Ireland and take a full load to America? Will he not consider further lengthening the runway to 12,000 ft., as some have suggested?

Mr. Mallalieu

I know that some have, but I very much doubt at the moment whether it is a lot, and it would not justify the expense.