HC Deb 24 March 1948 vol 448 c3005
34. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much was spent in the construction of the airport in Mackenzie, British Guiana; what are the reasons for choosing this site; and what are the reasons for this airport being a complete loss to the Government.

Mr. Creech Jones

£174,900 was spent during the war on the construction of the airport at Mackenzie, British Guiana. The site was chosen because it was the nearest place to Georgetown where an airfield could be constructed quickly and at reasonable cost. The airport is no longer used by civil aircraft, as Atkinson Field, in the U.S. leased base, which is nearer to Georgetown, subsequently became available for civil use.

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the loss associated with this, can the Minister say why no inquiry is being made into the reason for stopping here and spending all this money?

Mr. Creech Jones

This airfield was necessary during the war, and no loss has been incurred.

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