HC Deb 14 July 1937 vol 326 cc1252-4
55. Mr. Kelly

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the position at Tollerton aerodrome; and whether Messrs. Marshalls have been given the authority for a flying school at Tollerton?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

In reply to the first part of the question, matters arising out of the compulsory purchase order made by the Nottingham Corporation are under consideration. The answer to the second part is in the negative.

Mr. Kelly

May I ask if the consideration referred to in the reply means that a public inquiry is to be held, and whether Messrs. Marshall's are still under consideration for this flying school?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

The question under consideration arises from the fact that the Nottingham Corporation have altered the scope of the compulsory order for which they asked, and at the present moment consideration is being given as to whether that means another inquiry or not.

56. Mr. Kelly

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the names of all those to whom forms of tender were sent on the setting up of a flying school at Tollerton?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

Marshall's Flying School was the only firm to whom a form of tender was sent when the question of establishing the school was being explored early this year.

Mr. Kelly

Why was there this discrimination, in view of the fact that other people were on the ground at the time and ready to undertake that work? Why were they not invited to tender? Was any tender form sent to any member of the Nottingham Corporation?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I have said that the only people to whom forms of tender were sent were, in point of fact, the Marshall flying school, and that covers the last part of the question. With regard to discrimination, as I told the hon. Member some weeks ago, the fact that somebody happens to be on the ground at the time does not necessarily make them suitable to undertake a particular job of work. There was no discrimination. It was simply considered that the Marshall flying school were the best people to undertake that work.

Mr. Kelly

In view of that reply and knowing that other people were on the ground, why were they not asked to tender in order to see whether they could conform with all that was demanded?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

It was not considered that they were suitable people to whom tender forms should be sent.

Mr. Everard

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the Nottingham Flying Club is a highly successful club in every way competent to carry on one of these schools? Why was not a tender form sent to them?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I think I have already given a very full answer to the question on the Paper and to the Supplementary questions.