HC Deb 28 January 1959 vol 598 cc105-6W
59 and 60. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (1) whether he now proposes to ensure that Turnhouse be developed to cope efficiently with all the demands likely to be made upon it;

(2) how many cases Turnhouse and Renfrew have been used as alternative ports for incoming aircraft; and whether he now proposes that Turnhouse should be developed with all the necessary aids and staff to handle the traffic.

Mr. Watkinson

Since 1st November, 1958, ten aircraft have been diverted from Turnhouse to Renfrew and 82 aircraft from Renfrew to Turnhouse. Most of these diversions have been because of bad weather. The aids and staff at Turnhouse are adequate for the traffic during normal hours of operation, but staffing difficulties limit the extensions of hours which can be granted and occasionally an aircraft arriving out of hours has to be diverted.

61. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation in view of the frequency of Renfrew passengers landing at Turnhouse and vice versa, what steps he is taking to improve in speed and comfort the transit arrangements by road between them.

Mr. Watkinson

These arrangements are the responsibility of the airline operators who I am assured are giving the closest attention to these matters.