§ 62. Mr. R. Robinsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what steps have been taken by his Department during the past year to encourage the establishment of civil aerodromes in the United Kingdom?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThe initiative with regard to the establishment of civil aerodromes rests with local authorities, but the Department has, whenever asked, given advice in regard to various proposals and more than 60 towns have been visited for examination for the suitability of sites proposed to be developed or reserved for aerodrome purposes.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs it not a fact that the development of civil aerodromes has practically ceased since the publication of the Maybury report and that the position is deteriorating all over the country?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI cannot tell the hon. Member off-hand what developments there have been in aerodromes since the publication of the Maybury report. My answer shows that the Air Ministry, whenever they were asked, were anxious to give technical advice.
§ Mr. RobinsonWill the Ministry take this matter in hand immediately?
§ Mr. T. WilliamsAre we to understand that all that local authorities which establish aerodromes can expect from the Department is advice?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI think that the Air Ministry's technical advice is of considerable assistance.
§ Mr. R. GibsonHow many of the 60 towns were in Scotland?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI cannot answer that without notice.
§ 63. Mr. R. Robinsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what steps have been taken to discover and secure a suitable site for a standard aerodrome to the north of London as recommended by the Maybury Committee?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadIt has not yet been possible, as was hoped, to come to arrangements with the local authorities to undertake the establishment of a standard aerodrome to the north of London, and the Air Ministry is about to carry out a survey of the district with a view to indicating further possibilities.
§ Mr. RobinsonHas my hon. and gallant Friend been in direct communication with the local authorities since the publication of the Maybury report urging them to provide the air ports which were recommended?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadConversations with various local authorities have been taking place, and I think I am safe in saying that those conversations have taken place in some cases since the publication of the Maybury report, but I could not state that point categorically.