§ 27. Mr. ALBERYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what Customs facilities are now available at the Gravesend Aerodrome?
§ Sir P. SASSOONNo Customs facilities are available at Gravesend Aerodrome at the moment, but I understand that the Commissioners of Customs and Excise have informed the aerodrome proprietors that they are prepared to make special arrangements there, subject to certain conditions, for the Customs clearance of aircraft with passengers and their personal baggage.
§ Mr. ALBERYWill this new arrangement be made in the near future?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI believe the Customs have already communicated with the aviation companies. I cannot say more for the moment.
Captain BALFOURDo the conditions imposed by the Customs include a minimum revenue to be guaranteed by the aviation companies?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI do not think I can say more than that they have already-been in communication.
§ 28. Mr. ALBERYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, with a view to encouraging the development of air ports in the United Kingdom, he will take steps to secure the granting of adequate Customs facilities for clearing aircraft entering from abroad wherever this is reasonably possible without undue expense?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe Commissioners of Customs and Excise, with whom my Department is in close touch, are prepared to afford facilities for the Customs clearance of aircraft at suitable aerodromes, at which the volume of traffic will justify this action.
§ Mr. ALBERYWill the right hon. Baronet impress upon the Treasury the need for granting such facilities as far as possible and at as early a date as possible?
§ Sir P. SASSOONYes, certainly. Of course, it depends to a certain extent on the amount of traffic that comes to and fro.
§ Mr. ALBERYIs the right hon. Baronet not aware that traffic cannot be encouraged if Customs facilities are refused?