HC Deb 28 November 1969 vol 792 cc170-1W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the President of the Board of Trade what approaches he proposes to make to Edinburgh Corporation on the subject of Turnhouse Airport and its financing and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

I am always ready to discuss the financing of developments at Turnhouse Airport with Edinburgh Corporation but since in March the corporation informed the Department that there could be no possibility of a financial contribution towards the construction of a new runway I have no plans for a fresh approach.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the President of the Board of Trade what approaches he proposes to make to Fife, Lanarkshire, Midlothian, Stirlingshire, and West Lothian local authorities on the financing of Turn-house Airport; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

While we should be happy to consider suggestions by local authorities for the financing of the airport, we are not proposing to approach them at this stage.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will define the nature of his proposed new terminal complex for Turnhouse Airport.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

The proposed terminal complex includes a new terminal building, incorporating passenger and baggage handling areas, catering facilities and office accommodation, together with car parks, aprons and a mechanical transport depot.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the cost of the ground radar required at Turnhouse Airport.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

The initial cost of equipping Turnhouse Airport with surveillance radar is expected to be £140,000. Additional operating costs, including depreciation and interest on capital, directly attributable to the radar are estimated at £50,000 per annum.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are his estimates of future traffic at Turnhouse Airport in the period 1972 to 1975.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Estimates of future traffic are subject to considerable uncertainty but it is expected that the number of terminal passengers will be about 900,000 in 1972 rising to about 1,100,000 in 1975 compared with 616,000 in 1968.