HC Deb 19 January 1970 vol 794 cc75-6W
Sir Knox Cunningham

asked the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has for the future of Aldergrove Civil Airport in County Antrim; and if he will give an assurance that there will be no temporary closure of the airport.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Plans for the reshaping and extension of the main runway are under discussion with the users and with the Northern Ireland Ministry of Development. One of the main objectives in these discussions is to minimise the disruption of traffic but I cannot at present give an assurance that it will be practicable to avoid having to close the airport for a short period while work proceeds on the intersection of the two runways.

Sir Knox Cunningham

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he proposes to transfer Aldergrove Civil Airport in County Antrim to the Government of Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

We are currently discussing terms of transfer with the Northern Ireland Minister of Development. The date of transfer is clearly dependent on the outcome of these discussions and we cannot yet say when this is likely to be.