§ 63. Mr. MALONEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is now the policy of the Air Ministry in regard to the establishment of a municipal aerodrome at Northampton?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Mr. Montague)The Air Ministry's attitude to the general question of the establishment of municipal aerodromes has been explained in a circular 929 sent to all town councils, and the terms of that circular are applicable to Northampton as to other important towns. In the circular the Air Council drew attention to the increasing development of air traffic and suggested that each corporation should earnestly consider the advisability of establishing a municipal aerodrome at an early date. It stated also that the council would be glad to advise on the suitability of any sites which the corporation might have under consideration for this purpose. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that at the request of the Town Planning Committee an Air Ministry official has already inspected a site for an aerodrome at Northampton. This was unfortunately not considered suitable, and the Town Planning Committee was advised to carry out a further preliminary survey for possible sites and informed that the Department would be glad to inspect and advise on any which might be found. No further sites have so far been submitted for inspection.