HC Deb 13 November 1978 vol 958 cc82-3W
Mrs. Bain

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what recent representations he has received on the future of Prestwick airport; and if he will make a statement in view of current disquiet about the continuation of operations at Prestwick.

Mr. Clinton Davis

I received a deputation including Members of Parliament, representatives of Strathclyde regional council and others concerned with Prestwick airport, on 21st September 1978. I reaffirmed the Government's conclusions in the Airports Policy White Paper —Cmnd. 7084—that existing policies on the allocation of traffic among the three Scottish lowland airports, including Prestwick, should be generally maintained.

Mrs. Bain

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement about the future operations of Pan-Am Airways at Prestwick airport.

Mr. Clinton Davis

Pan American Airways has yet to make a final decision but it seems probable that they will cease to serve Prestwick with all-cargo services from 1st February 1979. This is entirely a commercial decision by the airline which has the necessary authorisations from my Department to operate both passenger and cargo services at Prestwick.