HC Deb 17 March 1925 vol 181 cc2229-32

Resolution reported, That it is expedient to authorise the payment out of moneys provided by Parliament, of any expenditure incurred by the President of the Air Council under any Act of the present Session, to authorise the President of the Air Council to stop up a portion of a road known as Plough Lane, in the urban district of Beddington and Wallington, in the county of Surrey, and in lieu thereof to widen an existing road and to construct a new road within the said district, and to acquire such land and carry out such works as may be necessary for the purposes aforesaid, and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution."

Colonel GRETTON

I understand that this is an estimated amount of £71,500 for the enlargement of Croydon aerodrome. I do not propose to say any word to-night as to the necessity of enlarging and improving this aerodrome; I only want to ask the Minister, who will reply for the Government, to assure us that this aerodrome is public property, that there is no alteration in its status, that it is to be available for the use of the Forces of the Crown on any occasion of national emergency, and that the arrangements with the company are not-such as will in any way impede the use of the aerodrome for national purposes.

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Major Sir Philip Sassoon)

I can give an affirmative answer to all the points that my hon. and gallant Friend has raised. I think it is generally admitted that this work on the Croydon Aerodrome is for the country's interest. It is the largest cavil aerodrome in the Kingdom, and this work is essential to make it safe. It is for a public purpose, and a very desirable public purpose. I hope that the hon. and gallant Member will be satisfied with that assurance.

Question put, and agreed to.

The remaining Orders were read, and postponed.

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