§ THE EARL OF PERTHMy 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 they are confident that the timetable of 1974 as the date for completion of the new runway at Turnhouse Airport will be fulfilled.]
§ LORD DENHAMMy Lords, the provision of the new runway at Turnhouse is subject to planning permission and land purchase, and while these make it impossible to forecast a precise date, it is hoped that if the necessary consents are obtained the runway will be completed in 1974.
§ THE EARL OF PERTHMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for his reply, may I ask whether the Government believe that an inquiry will be necessary as the result of local objection? And if there is to be an inquiry, will he give an assurance that the planning inquiry will be held at the minimum time allowed under the Statutory Regulations?
§ LORD DENHAMMy Lords, all the objections have come in and my right honourable friend the Secretary of State has directed the local authorities to refer them to him. In the light of all these, he is making up his mind whether a public inquiry should be held. Whether such an inquiry is held or not, my right honourable friend is certainly aware of the urgency of the situation.
§ LORD HOYMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether he would ask his right honourable friend the Secretary of State to expedite his decision, in view of the urgency of the requirement of a runway at Turnhouse?
§ LORD DENHAMMy Lords, I will certainly convey to my right honourable friend what the noble Lord, Lord Hoy, has said.