HC Deb 20 June 1984 vol 62 c281
9. Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will pay an official visit to Dundee airport.

Mr. Younger

I have no current plans to do so.

Mr. Wilson

Instead, will the Secretary of State look at the representations that have been sent by the Dundee project team of the Scottish Development Agency to his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer showing that, because of inadequate Customs arrangements, commercial and industrial development has been blighted in the new enterprise zones? Will he undertake, having had a look at those papers, to make representations to his right hon. Friends in the Cabinet Sub-committee to the effect that changes should be made to allow Dundee airport to fulfil its role in attracting industry and to become more successful than it is already?

Mr. Younger

Yes, I am aware of the case that the Dundee project team put forward to my right hon. Friend. I understand that the Customs and Excise has been taking the view that the volume of potential traffic at Dundee would not justify additional facilities. However, it may be that there is scope for further discussions with it on that matter. I hope that a satisfactory outcome can be reached.

Mr. Bill Walker

I declare an interest as a flying member of the Tayside flying club. When my right hon. Friend meets representatives of Dundee airport, will he bear in mind that the charter operators operating out of Dundee airport—in particular, Tayside Aviation, which has been largely responsible for the flying development on that airfield—tell me that without the Customs facilities there is little scope for cashing in on the lucrative oil market?

Mr. Younger

I appreciate my hon. Friend's interest in this matter. As I said earlier, I think that this ought to be pursued by further discussion and negotiation, and I will be glad to play my part in that.

Mr. Allen Adams

Bearing in mind that the Secretary of State must be concerned about the future of all airports in Scotland, can he give the House some statement or undertaking about the development of Glasgow airport in the middle of——

Mr. Speaker

Order. Sadly, that is not the question.