HC Deb 20 June 1934 vol 291 cc364-5
12. Mr. JANNER

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the experience of having a temporary aerodrome at Lydda during the currency of the Levant fair; whether consideration has been given to the application by the municipality of Tel-Aviv for permission to construct an aerodrome nearer that city; and whether, in view of the necessity for making early provision therefor owing to the rapid development of Tel-Aviv, approval will be given to such request?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I have not yet received a report on the use that was made of the temporary aerodrome at Lydda. With regard to the remainder of the question I am not yet in a position to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 28th March.

Mr. JANNER

Will the right hon. Gentleman cause inquiries to be made with regard to the necessity of having an aerodrome nearer Tel-Aviv?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The hon. Member may remember that I told him, in answer to a previous question, that the whole matter of the development of civil aviation in Palestine and the question of aerodromes is under the active consideration of the High Commissioner.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the question of landing facilities at Tel-Aviv is part of the same question as the aerodrome matter? Will he consider both questions simultaneously?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I think it is extremely desirable that the question of air facilities in Palestine should be considered as a whole.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is very important to have your landing station in Palestine on a suitable site near the railway?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I know, and that is one of the chief considerations which is being taken into account, but the right hon. and gallant Gentleman is well acquainted with the difficulties of air transport and must realise that it is enormously important not only that the site of your aerodrome should be in what would appear to be the most convenient place, but that it is really adaptable for an aerodrome.

13. Mr. JANNER

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether arrangements have yet been completed for a railway junction in the vicinity of Tel-Aviv, Palestine; and whether regard will be had to the desirability of having it close to this large and growing centre of population?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I am aware that a local committee in Palestine has recommended the construction of a railway junction in the vicinity of Tel-Aviv. This proposal and the other recommendations of the committee will require the most careful consideration by the High Commissioner for Palestine and myself, and I am at present awaiting an expression of the High Commissioner's views.