HC Deb 26 November 1969 vol 792 cc417-8
30. Mr. Dalyell

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress is being made in the modernisation of Turnhouse Airport, Edinburgh.

43. Mr. Adam Hunter

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has had on the need for a new runway and other facilities at Turn-house Airport; and if he will make a statement.

45. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many representations he has had in the last month concerning the need to extend and improve the facilities at Turnhouse Airport, Edinburgh; and view the need to foster industrial development in the east of Scotland, if he will now treat this matter as one of urgency.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Representations have been received from a variety of sources, including four since mid-October, pressing for major improvements to be made at Turnhouse. I am aware of the importance and increasing urgency of this issue to Edinburgh and to Scotland, and I am sorry that I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Dalyell

Following the recent near miss between a Vanguard and a Hunter, has any directive been given to the military in Scotland not to divert military aircraft to Turnhouse until such time as ground radar has been installed?

Mr. Roberts

That is another question. I have drafted a letter in reply to my hon. Friend's letter on this point.

Mr. Hunter

May I press on my right hon. Friend that to extend the existing runway would not solve all the problems at Turnhouse Airport? Will he impress on Edinburgh Corporation and the airlines using the airport that terminal facilities in the city are required for passengers leaving from the city and those coming into the city?

Mr. Roberts

I am well aware of the concern about facilities. There is another Question on that point which I hope to answer. We welcome the participation of local authorities and I should welcome anything that my hon. Friend and others can do to induce Edinburgh Corporation to review its position.

Mr. William Hamilton

Does my right hon. Friend recognise that the entire economic development of Eastern Scotland probably depends more on the provision of another runway at Turnhouse than on almost any other single factor? Does he not realise that the air facilities at Turnhouse are probably worse than those in any other comparable city in the British Isles?

Mr. Roberts

I agree that the aerodrome is of great importance to the economy of East Scotland. Whether this can best be aided by a new runway or by extending the existing runway is a matter of judgment. I assure my hon. Friend that I will bear very much in mind the second point that he made.