§ 20. Major CARVERasked the Secretary of State for Air if he is prepared to consider the existing old aerodrome site at Howden, in the East Riding, where about 350 acres of prepared landing ground, dwelling houses, and all necessary arrangements suitable for a flying ground already exist, and which can be obtained at a reasonable price; and whether he will institute inquiries with a view to purchasing what was recently Government property, still equipped for modern requirements?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe site has been examined, but is unsuitable for present requirements on account of the heavy nature of the soil and the prevalence of fog in the district.
§ Major CARVERIs my right hon. Friend aware that his Department has already acquired land at Church Fenton and Driffield, five minutes' flying distance from the ground at Howden; and does he not think that the Department could have saved money by acquiring this land, which was already laid out for flying?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI can certainly answer that question, because I happen to be familiar, as an East Riding man, with every inch of the ground. Howden is densely foggy, while Driffield is comparatively free from fog.