(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the proposed withdrawal from Prestwick Airport of the ground control approach machinery and crews; and, in view of the fact that the safety of the airport and the prestige of Scotland are at stake, he will take steps, with the Air Minister and the Minister of Civil Aviation, to prevent this injustice.

The question of utilising to the best advantage, in the interests of safety, the limited amount of ground control approach equipment and trained crews at present available in the United Kingdom is under consideration. I am in touch with my right hon. Friend and my noble Friend, and, pending the completion of the necessary consultations, no changes at Prestwick will be made.

Is it not a fact that the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore) and his friends have, for the past year, been maintaining that there is never fog at Prestwick Airport? If that is so, why do they want to retain a system which is used only in conditions of bad visibility?

Perhaps the Minister is aware that during recent months 85 aircraft have been diverted from other airports in Great Britain to Prestwick because of its fog free condition, and because of the installation to which I have just referred?