HC Deb 14 April 1937 vol 322 c998
51. Mr. Lyons

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any decision has yet been reached regarding the establishment of an airport at Lulling-stone, Kent, for the use of Imperial Airways, Limited?

Sir P. Sassoon

While the Air Ministry welcome the proposal to create additional aerodrome facilities within reasonable distance of London and have given and will give all such technical advice as may be desired by the Southern Railway in connection with the development of the site at Lullingstone in accordance with the plans which are being prepared by the railway's own technical advisers, any decision in regard to the establishment of the Airport will be one to be taken by the Southern Railway and will not rest with the Air Ministry. It is understood that the railway are proceeding with the project. As regards the possible use of the Airport by Imperial Airways, there is nothing that I could add to the information which I gave my hon. and learned Friend on 24th March last.

Mr. Lyons

Can my right hon. Friend say whether this aerodrome will be for the use of Imperial Airways exclusively or for the use of general air traffic?

Sir P. Sassoon

That will depend upon the company. I have no information.

Mr. Lyons

Does the right hon. Baronet consider that it would be right or not that, if an air port is established in this district, it should be utilised exclusively for one firm, namely, Imperial Airways? Does he not think that, as a matter of policy, it should be available for general use by all air traffic?

Sir P. Sassoon

The hon. and learned Member must not assume that that is the case.