§ Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the President of the Board of Trade what are the terms of transfer of Aldergrove Civil Airport in County Antrim to the Government of Northern Ireland; if the runways will be lengthened before April, 1971; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Gorowy RobertsThe main terms of transfer are as follows:
34W Though it is improbable that a runway extension of about 2,300 ft. will be completed before April, 1971, it is the intention to proceed with this work simultaneously with the re-shaping of the first 4,000 ft. of the existing runway east of the intersection thus avoiding the need to close the airport.
- (a) the civil airport and the Board's equipment, plant, furniture and fittings (excluding that required for the aerodrome navigation services) to be transferred free of charge;
- (b) the aerodrome navigation services to be provided by the National Air Traffic Control Service, free of charge, to the Northern Ireland Government, or nominee, for 21 years from 1st April, 1971;
- (c) the National Air Traffic Control Service will pay an economic rent for accommodation occupied;
- (d) the Board will receive all sums due and pay all outstanding debts on current account in respect of airport services to 31st March, 1971;
- (e) the Board will pay for work done up to 31st March, 1971, on capital projects including runway re-shaping, the main runway extension (to a maximum of 2,300 ft.) and any other works authorised by the Board;
- (f) the Northern Ireland Government, or nominee, will assume full financial responsibility on current and capital account from 1st April, 1971.