§ Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the development of Belfast harbour airport.
§ Mr. David MitchellBelfast harbour airport is operated by Short Brothers Ltd. and its development is a matter for the company.
I understand that, until the Civil Aviation Authority in April 1982 removed the restriction which limited the use of Belfast harbour airport to passenger aircraft not exceeding 12,500 lb weight, commercial aviation was confined to air taxi work, occasional air charters and accommodation of diverted air traffic. Since then two airlines, Loganair and Spacegrand, have announced that they intend to operate scheduled air services to Glasgow and Blackpool from 7 February 1983, and British Midland Airways has applied to the Civil Aviation Authority for a route licence to operate a scheduled air service between London Heathrow and Belfast harbour airport.