HC Deb 06 July 1938 vol 338 cc378-9
57. Mr. E. Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make a statement on the Government policy in reference to the municipal aerodromes for the guidance of the municipalities; and whether he will issue a list of those aerodromes which are considered adequate for future requirements?

Captain Balfour

As has already been stated in the House, the decision of His Majesty's Government following the recommendations of the Maybury and Cadman Committees is that direct financial assistance for the construction, enlargement or maintenance of civil aerodromes should not be granted. Assistance is afforded by the provision, maintenance and operation of radio facilities, a meteorological organisation and a comprehensive air traffic control organisation and by a contribution towards the capital costs of night lighting equipment at selected aerodromes. It is the policy of the Government to make, in agreement with the owners, use of civil aerodromes for suitable defence purposes and the present arrangements at both municipal and other aerodromes are being actively reviewed at present in this connection. My Department is always willing to give technical advice to municipalities regarding the acquisition or reservation of aerodrome sites and has issued a memorandum on the provision of aerodromes by local authorities and a pamphlet on the principles governing the planning and zoning of aerodromes, suitable for the operation of regular day and night services, copies of which I am sending to the hon. Member. The information asked for in the last part of the question will be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. H. G. Williams

Can the Under-Secretary say how many of these aerodromes are paying propositions at the present time?

Captain Balfour

No, Sir.

Following is the List:

AERODROMES the dimensions of which meet standard requirements or are in process of development up to these dimensions.
Belfast. Liverpool (Speke).
Birmingham. Luton.
Cambridge. Manchester (Ringway).
Coventry
Croydon Perth.
Derby. Southampton.
Doncaster. Yeadon.
Heston.

A number of proposals have also been submitted for development to standard dimensions.