§ LORD KILMANYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether a timetable has now been agreed upon for the improvement of Edinburgh Airport and, in particular, for the construction of another runway.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND (LORD HUGHES)My Lords, it is hoped to announce a timetable for the considerable investment involved in the whole scheme within the next few months. A cost-benefit study of the alternative of a new runway or an extension to the present one is nearing completion.
§ LORD KILMANYMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that reply, some of which was foreshadowed in the economic debate last week, may I ask him two further questions? First, does he appreciate that this is an urgent matter and that "a few months" is all too long for the needs of Scotland; and, secondly, is he himself confident that as a result of what is proposed the number of cancelled flights to and from Turnhouse will be materially reduced?
§ LORD HUGHESMy Lords, by comparison with the years that have gone by, "the next few months" is a relatively short period. In this matter I am reluctant to express confidence; I am willing to express hope.
THE EARL or MANSFIELDMy Lords, arising out of the original Answer to my noble friend Lord Kilmany, and while sharing his satisfaction at its 446 reasonableness, I would ask the noble Lord if he can say whether the opportunity will also be taken to extend the airfield buildings at Turnhouse, which already are hardly adequate and, with the increased traffic that the new scheme will produce, will certainly become entirely inadequate?
§ LORD HUGHESMy Lords, I recognise that the existing terminal building is overcrowded. I would go further and say that it is almost totally inadequate, particularly during busy periods. But until the new building is ready we are spending small sums in relieving the more pressing problems of congestion. Obviously the only satisfactory answer is to erect new buildings.
§ THE EARL OF DUNDEEMy Lords, is there any hope of getting these improvements completed in time for the Commonwealth Games?
§ LORD HUGHESNo, my Lords.