asked the President of the Board of Trade what further progress has been made in plans for improving terminal facilities at Turnhouse Airport, Edinburgh.

I regret that I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend's Question on 25th February.—[Vol. 796, c. 325–6.]

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is time that he had something to add? Nothing to nothing makes nothing. Is he aware that he will be subject to constant pressure until there are some visible signs that progress is being made to satisfy the staff and the passengers who have had to use this slum of an airport for far too long?

Progress is being made, as I told my hon. Friend when he last raised this matter. Improvements are being carried out at Turnhouse, and plans for new facilities have been prepared. These will be carried out as part of the development of the airport as a whole.

As this airport is a vital link concerning Scottish economic development, is this not another chink in the Government's armour? Is it not time that they got on with improving the airport facilities?

The Government's attitude towards air services in Scotland shows no disregard for Scottish interests——

It does. We want direct flights to Europe.

Scotland is well treated as regards the development of services in the Highlands and Islands.

Is not the answer that it should be transferred as soon as possible to the British Airports Authority?

That is a separate question.

Earl of Dalkeith:

Who is responsible for the delays now taking place which are doing Scotland a great deal of damage?

There is no delay. Progress is being made on interim improvements at the airport. In addition, plans have been prepared for the improvement of the airport within the wider scheme which still remains to be adopted.

On a point of order. Mr. Speaker. Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of those replies, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter again.