§ 1. Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total of public expenditure on airports in Northern Ireland since 1980.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. David Mitchell)In the past three years almost £10.8 million of public money has been spent on the development of Belfast Aldergrove airport to provide better technical facilities and to give greater comfort to passengers, 1.4 million of whom used the airport last year.
§ Mr. AtkinsI thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Within that expenditure, are any moneys set aside for the return each night of British Airways' crews to Glasgow in an empty aeroplane because they are not prepared to stay 1038 the night in Northern Ireland? In comparison with the other carrier to Northern Ireland, British Midland Airways, whose crews stay there, does he not think that this practice is a disgrace?
§ Mr. MitchellSuch expenditures are a matter for British Airways, but since Northern Ireland is five times safer to stay overnight in than most major United States cities, I find the position inexplicable.
§ Rev. Ian PaisleyWill the hon. Gentleman tell the House how much of the money spent at Aldergrove airport came from the EEC?
§ Mr. MitchellI shall need notice of that question.
§ Sir John Biggs-DavisonIs my hon. Friend aware that the question of the cowardice of British Airways crews has been raised from time to time for years? Cannot those responsible sit down together to sort it out? Since the days when I used to complain about passengers being kept queuing in the rain at Aldergrove, have there not been improvements that are greatly to the credit of those concerned?
§ Mr. MitchellThe modern facilities at Aldergrove are widely appreciated by the many who use the airport. With regard to the other matter that my hon. Friend raises, I shall meet the chief executive of British Airways, Mr. Roy Watts, when he comes to stay in Northern Ireland shortly.