HC Deb 25 March 1970 vol 798 c1420
25. Mr. Dalyell

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make an official visit to Turnhouse Airport, Edinburgh.

Mr. Mason

I have no plans to visit Turnhouse in the near future.

Mr. Dalyell

I remind my right hon. Friend of the many thousands of visitors who will come to Edinburgh for the Commonwealth Games, is he aware that many of the industrial troubles which occurred at Turnhouse last year are, unfortunately, likely to recur? Some of us have great sympathy with the people who work there and feel that they should be paid the same rates as those who work at Prestwick and other B.A.A. airports.

Mr. Mason

I am aware of the difficulties at Turnhouse. I gather that negotiations on rates of pay and so on are in progress, and I think that we had better leave it at that at this stage.

Mr. William Hamilton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the terminal facilities are a scandal? It is a virtual slum in which both workers and passengers are having to be kept. It is like a cattle market when an incoming plane is delayed by half an hour. Will he look into this and get things moving during the next financial year?

Mr. Mason

I am aware of the difficulties, especially in the light of the fact that the Commonwealth Games will probably cause more traffic at Turnhouse. But I hope that the improvements already in hand will alleviate most of these difficulties.