Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State far Northern Ireland what arrangements he is proposing to make for the future of Belfast city airport in the context of the sale of Short Brothers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ViggersThe future of Belfast harbour airport will depend largely on the outcome of the process to privatise Short Brothers plc. An information memorandum on Shorts was recently issued to a selected number of prospective purchasers inviting them to submit preliminary proposals for the company. This memorandum was issued to only those parties interested in purchasing the company as a whole. In the detailed negotiations which will follow the proposals of possible purchasers, the future of the harbour airport will be covered, but meanwhile there will be no change in its operation.