§ 17. Mr. McENTEEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will fur 356 nish a list of landing-grounds available for aeroplanes in Britain; the number that have been opened with assistance from the State; and whether any of the landing-grounds of the Royal Air Force are available for use by private aeroplanes, and the charge?
§ Sir FREDERICK THOMSON (Treasurer of the Household)I have been asked to reply. As the answer is long I will, with the hon. Member's permission circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
§ As regards the first and last parts of the question, on 31st January last there were 377 licensed civil aerodromes of all kinds in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It should be borne in mind, however, that the majority of these were only licensed for short periods for pleasure flying. I would refer the hon. Member to the "Air Pilot," Volume 1, published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, for particulars of those in regular use and also for particulars, including charges, of some 50 Royal Air Force aerodromes, which are available in emergency for use by civil aircraft. In addition, there is a certain number of privately-owned and unlicensed landing-grounds. As regards the second part of the question, five aerodromes and landing-grounds available for public use are owned and maintained by the State, and I understand that grants from the Unemployment Grants Committee have been made in resepect of eight municipal aerodromes. Assistance has also been given indirectly towards the establishment of aerodromes through the grants to Light Aeroplane Clubs.