HC Deb 18 March 1970 vol 798 cc367-8
6. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what objections have been lodged, on what grounds and by whom, against the proposal of Glasgow Airport Authority to lengthen its main runway.

Mr. Ross

The application has not yet been advertised, but I have already received ten representations about the proposed runway extension. With permission I will circulate details of these in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Rankin

Is my right hon. Friend aware that with the increasing weight, capacity and speed of the modern air- liner, urgency in this matter is essential for the continued prosperity of Abbots-inch Airport? Will he say what sort of difficulties are now holding up the necessary lengthening of the runway?

Mr. Ross

My hon. Friend will appreciate that there are certain difficulties about this, to do with the feelings of the people in the area, and even wider considerations which go beyond the area of the local planning authority. No decision has yet been made whether a public inquiry will be necessary, but these matters are part of the machinery for a development of this kind.

Following is the information:

Objector and Grounds of Objection British Airports Authority: Implications for airport policy in Scotland. Prestwick Airport Development Association: Possible effects on Prestwick's transatlantic traffic. Extension of noise and air pollution from large aircraft at Abbotsinch and possible crash hazards. Adverse effects on large built-up area. Suitability of Prestwick to operate services which would require a runway extension at Abbotsinch. Johnstone Town Council: Increased noise, particularly at night and in the early morning; effects on television reception. Bearsden Town Council: Increased noise. Mr. Gordon Munro, Paisley: Increase noise over built-up areas. Mr. Rowand, Candrens Farm, Paisley: Increased noise. John Pinkerton Ltd., Blackstoun, Paisley: Effects of noise on turkey farming. Mr. E. Snodgrass, Milngavie: Increased noise. Mr. James A. Douglas, Paisley: Increased noise. Mr. P. R. Parker, Linwood, Paisley: Crash hazard at Rootes factory, Linwood.