HC Deb 21 April 1937 vol 322 cc1739-40
33. Mr. Perkins

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will take steps to ensure that passengers travelling from Victoria or other rail termini, to and from the projected Lullingstone airport, shall have equal facilities irrespective of what air-line they are travelling by; and if he will ensure that Southern Railway departure and arrival facilities at Victoria station for trains to and from the airport shall be open to all travellers on equal terms, and no preference given to Imperial Airways, Limited, by virtue of their possession of any private platform arrangements with the Southern Railway?

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Sir Philip Sassoon)

My hon. Friend's question appears to be based upon the assumption of a situation which I hope will not arise. In any case the exercise of supervision and control in matters of railway management does not fall within the powers entrusted to my Noble Friend.

Mr. Lyons

Can the right hon. Gentleman now say whether a final decision has been reached in reference to the establishment of an airport at Lullingstone?

Sir P. Sassoon

No, Sir.

34. Mr. Perkins

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will give assurance that, conditional on the providing of facilities for radio and meteorology at the projected Lullingstone civil airport, all recognised British operators shall have equal rights on equal terms with Imperial Airways, Limited, who have announced their intention of moving from Croydon to Lullingstone?

Sir P. Sassoon

In view of the many hypothetical factors involved in regard to an aerodrome which is not yet in existence, I do not think that it is possible to give such an assurance at the present time.

Mr. Perkins

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that equal facilities will be provided, not only at the aerodrome but also by the railway companies?

Sir P. Sassoon

As I say, the aerodrome is not yet built, and I do not know definitely whether the company propose to build the aerodrome or whether Imperial Airways propose to move to it. It is very difficult for me to answer a question which is based on a hypothetical contingency, which in turn is based on another contingency.