asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what decisions have been taken regarding the extension of Stornoway Airport; the purpose of this work; and its estimated cost.

No decisions have been taken; the airport is being surveyed to see whether it is suitable for development as a N.A.T.O. airfield. No estimate for costs can be given at this stage.

While we almost welcome a project of this kind for the employment it would create temporarily, with 32 per cent. unemployed and no other solution to the problem in the area, I should like to ask the Minister whether he will keep a personal, intimate eye upon the project so that we do not have a repetition of what happened with the rocket range project in South Uist, which was a bungle from beginning to end? Will he keep a personal eye on this project?

Yes, Sir.