§ 31. Sir Walter Smilesasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the site numbered 6 on the plan of sites in Lancashire available for aircraft production has been considered by any of the firms concerned in the shadow-factory scheme; and whether the site and the suitability of the labour available in Preston, Blackburn and North East Lancashire will be considered before deciding upon a site for any new aircraft factory?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Sir Philip Sassoon)This site was inspected last week and its relative advantages as compared with other possible sites will be fully considered.
§ 35. Mr. T. Williamsasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many acres of agricultural land have been purchased 1589 for new aerodromes and aeroplane factories during the last two years; and the average price paid per acre?
§ Sir P. SassoonThe answer to the first part of the question is 14,400 acres. As regards the second part, I think it would be undesirable to attempt to assess an average price per acre as the circumstances vary so much in each case.
§ Sir P. HarrisBefore the right hon. Baronet's Department decide upon the purchase of land for aerodromes, do they consult other Departments concerned such as the Ministry of Agriculture or the Ministry of Health?
§ Sir P. SassoonWe discuss such matters with all the Departments concerned.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsWould it not be possible to obtain the figures relating to the acreage of purely agricultural land which has been purchased?
§ Sir P. SassoonAs I have already said, I think that to publish these particulars would be misleading and would also prejudice further negotiations.
§ 36. Mr. T. Williamsasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what area of land was acquired for the aerodrome at Finningley; from whom it was purchased; and what was the total price paid?
§ Sir P. SassoonThe area being acquired at Finningley is 433 acres, the bulk of which is being purchased from the Finningley Park Estates Company. As regards the last part of the question, information is not yet available as the price to be paid to the company is to be settled by arbitration.
§ 40. Mr. Loganasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is now able to make a statement in regard to the Speke aerodrome site being acquired for Government work?
§ Sir P. SassoonNo, Sir. A number of sites are being inspected, but no decision has yet been reached as to which one will be selected.
§ Sir P. SassoonI am afraid it would not be possible.