Earl of Dalkeithasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to complete discussions with the British Airports Authority about the transfer of Edinburgh (Turnhouse) Airport to the Authority; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NobleAgreement has been reached between the B.A.A. and the Government over arrangements for transferring Edinburgh (Turnhouse) Airport to the British Airports Authority on 1st April, 1971, and for a contribution by the Government towards the development of the airport being planned by the Authority.
The main terms of transfer are as follows:
- (i) the civil airport (excluding equipment required for the aerodrome navigation services) is to be transferred free of charge;
- (ii) the aerodrome navigation services will continue to be provided by the National Air Traffic Control Services for 21 years;
292 - (iii) the National Air Traffic Control Services will pay appropriate rentals for accommodation occupied and for services provided by the Authority.
It was announced last year that, subject to planning permission and land purchase, a new main runway and terminal complex is to be provided at Turn-house. Responsibility for carrying out this development, subject to planning permission, will rest with the Authority which has already done a good deal of preliminary work.
The estimated cost of a new 8,400 ft. runway with associated taxi-ways, lighting etc. and of a new terminal complex to meet forecast requirements until about 1980 is £8.8 million at first quarter 1970 prices. The Department of Trade and Industry will bear three-quarters of the cost of the development—subject to agreed adjustments including inflation effects—within a maximum of £6.5 million at first quarter 1970 prices. The Department will also bear the cost of a new control tower to serve the developed airport.