§ Mr. Dalyellasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now make a statement on the future development of Edinburgh, Turnhouse, Airport.
§ Mr. Mason:The need for a major new terminal complex at Turnhouse Airport to cater for traffic growth has already been accepted. The siting of the new terminal complex has, however, been dependent upon the nature of runway development to be undertaken.
In view of the importance of Turn-house Airport to the continuation of good air communications to Edinburgh and East Central Scotland, the Government have decided that a new main runway should be provided at Turnhouse together with the new terminal complex. The new runway should almost entirely eliminate diversions from the airport on account of crosswind.
A provisional agreement was reached two years ago between the Board of Trade and the British Airports Authority about the terms of a transfer of responsibility for Turnhouse Airport to the authority. Discussions with the B.A.A. will now be resumed as a matter of urgency as it is the Government's intention that, subject to planning permission and land purchase, the above developments should be completed as soon as practicable.