§ 1. Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the future prospects of a rail link to Turnhouse Airport.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Eldon Griffiths)We have received no proposal for such a link from the British Railways Board.
§ Mr. EadieWill the hon. Gentleman accept that most of Scotland's authoritative bodies have said time and again that the problem is one of communications? Is he aware that a railway line runs past Turnhouse Airport? Is it not foolish, therefore, that people who want 1056 to go to the airport have to get involved in the struggle along the road network? Will he give further consideration to the problem?
§ Mr. GriffithsI am aware of the facts. New investment for such links is a matter for the British Railways Board and discussions are under way between British Rail and the British Airports Authority. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will make his representations to them.
§ Sir J. GilmourWhile my hon. Friend may not have received representations from the airport side, does not he agree that what is necessary is to cater for the travelling public? Is there some better facility which he could give to the travelling public whereby they could make their views known to him? Finally, would it not be better if he transferred his responsibilities in this respect to the Secretary of State for Scotland?
§ Mr. GriffithsIt is for British Rail in the first instance to make a decision on whether there is business here for which it wishes to cater. The discussions between the B.A.A. and British Rail are under way, and I am sure they will take note of my hon. Friend's supplementary question.