§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the cost of the report made by an American market research firm on the Aldegrove Airport extension; who requested that this report should be compiled; in what major matters it runs counter to the Snow Report; and which of its recommendations he proposes to adopt.
§ Mr. Peter MillsIn February 1972 the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company, in consultation with the Ministry of Development, commissioned 405W Booz-Allen and Hamilton International to consider the long-term development of Aldergroye airport and to make recommendations to ensure that the airport facilities would be adequate to meet the long-term projected traffic needs and that the proposals would be properly co-ordinated with the overall physical development strategy for Northern Ireland. The cost of payments to the consultants for this work was £62,000.
In view of the terms of reference it is difficult to compare this study with the work of Sir Frederick Snow and Partners, although I understand the partnership concurs in the physical development strategy recommended in the Booz-Allen and Hamilton study. There are variations between the proposals made by the different consultants. The Ministry of Development is studying the environmental aspects of the proposals and is consulting the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company and the airports company about the financial implications. It is not possible to make any announcement at present.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the cost of the Snow Report on the terminal building extension at Aldergrove airport.
§ Mr. Peter MillsI am advised that the fees were £7,000.