HC Deb 01 April 1963 vol 675 cc12-3W
89. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Minister of Aviation what is his policy with regard to facilitating the development of air services to areas of high unemployment; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Amery

Central and local government can best facilitate the development of air services by providing well-equipped airports. My Department accordingly assists in the provision and operation of navigational services and in appropriate cases with the development of airports.

For Belfast, we are building a new civil terminal on the R.A.F. aerodrome at Aldergrove, and this will come into use later this year.

At Glasgow we are in negotiation with the Corporation about the building of a new airport at Abbotsinch.

At Speke, near Liverpool, we have been providing the air traffic control services since the municipalisation of the airport.

Where the North-East is concerned I would draw the hon. Gentleman's attention to the Answer which I have given today on Newcastle airport.

We also take active steps to encourage contacts between airline operators and local authorities and Chambers of Commerce to bring about better understanding of traffic potentialities in difficult areas.