§ Mr. Rankinasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how much has been expended by the Government on the acquisition of land, properties and equipment at Prestwick; and what progress has been made in completing the arrangements for the transfer of all land and equipment to his Department.
§ Mr. BeswickThe greater part of the buildings at Prestwick Airport were erected at State expense. The bulk of the land and property to be acquired by purchase is owned by Scottish Aviation Ltd. A compulsory purchase order has been made in respect of this property but in default of agreement, the purchase price is being referred to arbitration. For the rest, rather more than £30,000 has already been expended on the purchase of buildings and property on or in the vicinity of Prestwick Airport and it is expected that the balance will be acquired shortly.