§ 61. Mr. Perkinsasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the building of Gatwick Airport in 1936 was encouraged by the Air Ministry; and whether the Air Ministry consider it suitable for all types of aircraft?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThe answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative, although, as regards the second part, some reservation is necessary as regards the larger types of aircraft in conditions of bad visibility, or when the landing area has been seriously affected by exceptionally bad weather.
§ Mr. PerkinsIs it not a fact that British Airways left this airport because they considered it to be unsuitable, and that the Government are committed to paying the owners of the airport a substantial subsidy?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadYes, Sir, it is true that British Airways left it, the reason being principally bad weather; and it is also true that the British Government is involved in a subsidy.
§ 62. Mr. Perkinsasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air for what reason wireless facilities have been withdrawn from Gatwick Airport?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadAeronautical wireless stations are provided according to the needs of regular scheduled air services, and, as such services have ceased to operate from Gatwick Aerodrome, the station was withdrawn.