§ 26 and 27. Mr. Rankinasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) in view of the effect on air traffic control of lengthening the main runway at Glasgow Airport, what consideration he is giving to plans for this development;
§ (2) If he will ensure that Glasgow Airport will be as well equipped in respect of 1318 air traffic control facilities as airports of the same type in the rest of the country.
§ Mr. William RodgersNo formal proposals for extending this runway have been received but we are ready to deal with the situation if, as a result of such an extension, the instrument landing system has to be moved. Glasgow is well equipped with navigational facilities and will continue to be so.
§ Mr. RankinDoes my hon. Friend's Answer mean that Glasgow Corporation will have the fullest power to develop its airport to meet the needs of Glasgow citizens equivalent to the powers which Manchester, Newcastle and Liverpool have in developing their municipal airports?
§ Mr. RodgersMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland had a very satisfactory meeting with Glasgow Corporation last Friday. Certainly we want to see the development of this airport consistent with my right hon. Friend's statement of 22nd February last year which took into account all the facilities available in Scotland.
§ Mr. DalyellWhat is the latest position concerning the urgent negotiations with Edinburgh Airport?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. It is not in order to anticipate another Question on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs my hon. Friend aware that there is a strong opinion in the West of Scotland that too much money has already been spent on Glasgow Airport? There are two big airports within a short distance of one another. Prestwick is not closed by fog as Glasgow Airport is. Will my hon. Friend be very careful before spending any more public money on Glasgow Airport?
§ Mr. RodgersPrestwick is also an admirable airport. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has had discussions with the Ayr County Council about its future, too.
§ Mr. RankinOn a point of order. In view of that intervention, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.
§ Later—
§ Mr. DalyellIn view of the urgency of the negotiations on Edinburgh Airport, have you, Mr. Speaker, had any request for an answer to Questions Nos. 45 and 46?
§ Mr. SpeakerI have had no such request.