§ 30. Mr. Dalyellasked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects radar to be installed at Turnhouse Airport, Edinburgh.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsIt is planned to have the radar in operation before the Commonwealth Games begin on 15th July, 1970. So far the programme to achieve this is proceeding satisfactorily.
§ Mr. DalyellIs my right hon. Friend aware that those of us who had pressing engagements in Scotland last night to immortalise Robert Burns were, ironically, diverted to Ayrshire and that we were three hours late this morning? Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that this is an urgent matter? There is rumour that the installation will be completed by 1st April. Can he confirm this?
§ Mr. RobertsI cannot confirm it at this stage—it is far too early—but progress is satisfactory. Incidentally, I should not have thought that it was necessary to immortalise Robert Burns, because he has done that already for himself.
§ 31. Mr. Dalyellasked the President of the Board of Trade what consultations he has had with local authorities on the financing of Turnhouse Airport, Edinburgh.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsNone since the discussions with Edinburgh Corporation. As indicated in reply to my hon. Friend's Questions on 28th November last, I am always willing to consider suggestions by local authorities for the financing of Turnhouse.—[Vol. 792, c. 170–1.]
§ Mr. DalyellIs it not time that the Board of Trade took the initiative and knocked some of the local authorities' heads together with a view to providing at least some money?
§ Mr. RobertsNo, Sir. I think that it is best for us to await suggestions from the local authorities concerned. There are a number of them. As I have said, we stand ready to consider any proposals which they may make to us.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellNow that Turnhouse has to be the airport for the Dundee area and Fife as well as Edinburgh, are the Government treating as important and urgent the question of another runway and new terminal buildings?
§ Mr. RobertsYes, indeed. I have delayed an Answer on this, as the hon. Member knows, because the cost-benefit study is being looked at again—it has been extended to some extent—because I am anxious that every aspect of the problem shall be examined, including the points which have been raised.