HC Deb 21 March 1986 vol 94 cc314-5W
Mr. Allen Adams

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from (a) Strathclyde regional council and (b) Renfrew district council on the future development of Glasgow airport.

Mr. Michael Spicer

None. Strathclyde regional council and Renfrew district council submitted their views to the review of Scottish lowland airports policy in 1984 and these were taken into account in the published Report of the working group.

Mr. Allen Adams

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to lift or vary restrictions on traffic movements at, and size of aircraft using, Glasgow airport.

Mr. Michael Spicer

No. The role of Glasgow airport and the nature of its operations were considered carefully during the review of Scottish lowlands airports policy undertaken in 1984. As a result, the Government reaffirmed the existing policy for the Scottish lowland airports in the White Paper on "Airports Policy" published in June 1985 (Cmnd. 9542).

Mr. Allen Adams

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what are the technical objections to jumbo jets landing at Glasgow airport.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The length of the runway at Glasgow would impose some limitations on payloads which could be carried on larger aircraft on longer range services. The review of Scottish lowland airports policy concluded that any increase in the length of the runway could not be justified in economic terms and that the topography would restrict the usefulness of any extension.

Mr. Allen Adams

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what advice he has sought on the implications of the length of the runway at Glasgow airport for the frequency and size of aircraft that can use the airport.

Mr. Michael Spicer

This was examined as part of the review of Scottish lowlands airports policy, published in April 1985. The runway at Glasgow is adequate for traffic using the airport, and for the expected growth in traffic.

Mr. Allen Adams

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to expand the customs facilities at Glasgow airport.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Glasgow airport is the responsibility of the British Airports Authority. The BAA is currently undertaking a programme of improvements to international facilities at Glasgow airport, expected to cost £2 million. The project will provide enlarged accommodation in the baggage reclaim area and new office accommodation for Customs and Immigration authorities as well as improvements to the departure lounge and shopping areas.