§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will announce a decision about any changes in the responsibility for running Aberdeen Airport, as between the Civil Aviation Authority and the British Airports Authority before the recess.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisI have been asked to reply.
My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Trade and the Secretary of State for Scotland have been reviewing, in consultation with the British Airports Authority and Civil Aviation Authority, the future arrangements for the ownership and management of the Scottish airports. As a result, Aberdeen Airport will be 150W transferred to the BAA from the CAA, and the BAA will establish a new organisation in Scotland to administer Prestwick, Edinburgh and Aberdeen Airports and any other Scottish airports which the new organisation may acquire in the future.
The Government are making a grant to the BAA for the necessary development of Aberdeen Airport in view of its importance as an essential link in the exploration and development of North Sea oil.