§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he has given to the implications for safety and the continuing viability of Wick airport in Caithness of the proposal to withdraw Meteorological Office observers from the airport; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinOperating arrangements at Wick airport are a matter for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd., which I understand is considering whether to replace their Meteorological Office observer with an air traffic controller trained in meteorological observation, as has been done previously at some other United Kingdom airports. Whatever the outcome of these considerations, Wick airport will continue to meet the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Authority. The viability of the airport is not in question.