HC Deb 03 November 1937 vol 328 cc899-900
41. Mr. Lyons

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any further statement upon the destruction of the airport at Lydda and the present facilities for air communication at any alternative place?

59. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the recent destruction of the Lydda airport on the eve of its adoption by regular commercial air services between England and India, he will consider the desirability of authorising the construction of a new airport in an area of greater security; and whether, in this connection, he will consider the desirability of investigating the possibility of establishing an aerodrome nearer to the centre of population comprised by Tel-Aviv?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Shortly after midnight on the night of 15th-16th October a large party of neighbouring Arabs penetrated the premises of the Lydda airport and, having cut the wires, set on fire and completely burned out the buildings housing the Customs and Passport Offices and the wireless installation. Efficient wireless communication was quickly re-established by means of receivers lent by the Royal Air Force. Temporary arrangements for feeding passengers and for the discharge of formalities have been made in the hangars, and I understand that these arrangements are capable of improvement in a few weeks' time. So far as I am aware, it has not been necessary to provide alternative facilities at other airports. I do not consider that this incident would justify consideration of the construction of a new airport. The present site was selected after the most careful consideration of all the circumstances. I should add that the Lydda airport is now under military guard.

Mr. Lyons

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there was any guard at all at the Lydda Airport at the time of this disturbance, in view of the conditions obtaining in Palestine, and whether the ordinary service from Alexandria and Cairo to Lydda, which is the only full service by air communication, is still existing?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Yes, Sir, there is communication with Egypt, either Cairo or Alexandria. There was a police guard.

Mr. Lyons

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the kind of communication now existing from either Alexandria or Cairo to Lydda, which is the only system of air communication that exists, is the same now as it was before the airport was burnt out?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I should like to have notice of that question.

Colonel Wedgwood

Were British officers in charge at Lydda?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I think so.