HC Deb 21 April 1937 vol 322 cc1741-2
40. Mr. Lyons

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will give the dates upon which the gas-holder at Heston airport has been illuminated during this year?

Sir P. Sassoon

The gas-holder has not yet been illuminated except for test purposes, but it is expected that the negotiations with the owners regarding the arrangements for regular lighting will shortly be concluded.

Mr. Lyons

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why it is that this important apparatus has never been put into activity?

Sir P. Sassoon

We have had long negotiations with the owners, but I am glad to say that they are now satisfactorily concluded, and I hope it will be possible to light it in a very short time.

Mr. Lyons

When the expenditure was made to establish this gas-holder, was not consideration also given to the necessity of its illumination; and why has no step at all been taken to secure its illumination in the important circumstances which now exist at Heston?

Sir P. Sassoon

Every step has been taken, and I hope it will be illuminated very soon.

Mr. Lyons

Every step has been taken except that of its illumination.