HC Deb 22 January 1968 vol 757 cc38-9W
96. Mr. Stodart

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a decision has been come to between his Department and the British Airports Authority about the future of Turnhouse Airport, Edinburgh; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

The British Airports Authority has agreed in principle to assume the ownership and management of Turnhouse. Negotiations about the terms of transfer are well advanced and we expect to reach agreement in March with a view to transfer later this year.

97. Mr. Stodart

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has yet come to a decision on the provision of surveillance radar equipment at Turnhouse Airport; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

Yes. On the basis of recent information resulting from detailed examination of delays to air transport flights at Edinburgh (Turn-house) Airport during the past year and having regard to estimates of future growth of traffic, I consider that there is an operational case for the airport to be equipped with surveillance radar by 1970, and this is being considered in the light of current economic circumstances.