THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware that during the first three months of this year no fewer than 128 flights were cancelled or diverted from Turnhouse Aerodrome due to weather conditions and that in numerous other cases passengers had to endure considerable discomfort, and sometimes jeopardy, in aeroplanes which did land or take off in unsuitable conditions; whether they are further aware that the success of the Empire Games to be held in Edinburgh in 1970 will be seriously affected unless a second runway is constructed before then; the absence of which has been the direct cause of practically all the diversions and cancellations mentioned above, and whether they will accordingly reconsider their earlier decision and take steps forthwith to acquire the necessary land and start work upon the second runway.
§ LORD BESWICKAll but five of the 128 cancellations or diversions were due to crosswinds at Turnhouse. As was pointed out in reply to a previous question on 17th April, and as the noble Earl has since been reminded, the number of crosswind diversions during the period referred to was exceptionally high, both absolutely and relatively to the number of diversions from Turnhouse due to other causes, which over the past1512WA five years have been more than three times as numerous as have diversions due to crosswinds.
I do not agree that transport aircraft take off or land in unsuitable conditions. The Air Registration Board lays down in the Flight Manual, which forms part of the Certificate of Airworthiness, the maximum crosswind components in which an aircraft has been demonstrated to have adequate control. Most airlines set even stricter limits for their own operations, and provided that pilots operate within these limits, there is no question of any danger, or even discomfort, to passengers because of crosswinds.
The success of the Commonwealth Games to be held in Edinburgh in 1970 is unlikely to be affected by the non-availability of a new runway at Turn-house by that date. Statistically, the changes of a prolonged period of crosswinds in July coinciding with the Games are remote. If it did happen, it is considered that the facilities at Glasgow would suffice to handle the additional traffic. In any event, allowing for planning procedures and land acquisition the earliest date by which a new runway could reasonably be expected to be available is 1972.
A fresh appraisal of the runway situation will be undertaken as soon as a decision is reached on B.E.A.'s aircraft replacement programme.
House adjourned at eleven minutes past midnight.