§ 113. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware that the Chairman of the Scottish Council, Development and Industry, has declared his decision not to build a tunnel under the main runway at Prestwick Airport to be unfortunate; and what prior consultations he had with the Council before making his decision.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe Answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes". The Answer to the second part is that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has kept me informed of the views of the Scottish Council. I was aware that they favoured a tunnel but for the reasons which I gave to the hon. Member on 12th November I am satisfied that the balance of advantage is in favour of a road diversion.
§ 114. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware of the statement by the County Convenor of Ayrshire that the proposal to construct a road diversion round the north-west end of Prestwick Airport, rather than a tunnel under the main runway, would cause inconvenience to the people of Ayrshire; and what prior consultation he had with the County Council before coming to his decision.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI have not seen the statement referred to, but the Ayrshire County Council was represented at a meeting in Ayr on 1st May when the preference of all the local authorities for a tunnel was made clear. I recognise that a road diversion will cause some inconvenience, and regret that this is so, but for the reasons which I gave to the hon. Member on 12th November I am satisfied that the balance of advantage lies in favour of a road diversion.