HC Deb 03 May 1938 vol 335 cc683-6
29. Mr. Perkins (for Mr. Neil Maclean)

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that, in consequence of procrastination and discourtesy of the Civil Aviation Department of the Air Ministry, the aerodrome at Renfrew will cease to function on 15th May; that should this aerodrome close down the valuable air ambulance services to the Western Isles would cease; and whether, in view of the Exhibition which opens at Glasgow on 3rd May, he can make a statement that will reassure all concerned in the continuance of this aerodrome?

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)

I am aware that it has been announced that the aerodrome at Renfrew will cease to function on 15th May, and that charges of procrastination and discourtesy on the part of the Air Ministry have been made. Some delay has admittedly taken place in the conduct of correspondence with the Renfrew Town Council, but nevertheless I cannot accept that my Department is reponsible for the decision taken by the town council to close the aerodrome on 15th May. The Renfrew Town Council have asked for an assurance that Renfrew Aerodrome will permanently continue to be recognised as the civil aerodrome for the south-west of Scotland. The difficulty in regard to giving such an assurance arises from the fact, of which the town council have been aware, that the aerodrome, which suffers from certain disabilities, is not capable of being substantially improved and an assurance such as this might, therefore, militate against the needs of the district being served to the best advantage in the future. The town council at Renfrew have been informed that the Air Ministry is prepared to recognise the Renfrew Aerodrome as the civil aerodrome for south-west Scotland for a period of two years, but the council have informed the Air Ministry by telegram to-day that they are not prepared to accept this period. I am, however, still hopeful that they will agree to do so, and that they will in consequence not close down the aerodrome on 15th May.

Mr. Maxton

Does the Minister think it is playing fair with a town that has pioneered this work in the West of Scotland to say that they are to carry on their work under conditions that may terminate all their activities definitely in a period of two years?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I have indicated why it is not possible, taking the interests of the district into account, to give anything like a permanent assurance. If one cannot give a permanent assurance, it stands to reason that the best assurance that we can give is an assurance for a definite term of years.

Mr. Maxton

This aerodrome has been in operation for a very extended period and a great deal of expenditure has been put out on it, and up to now it has satisfied the air needs of the West of Scotland. Does the Minister not think that two years without committing the Government to indefinite responsibility is altogether fantastic?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I am aware that this aerodrome has been functioning for a considerable period, but when it comes to the question of giving anything like a permanent assurance, one has to consider the needs of the district in future and what may in the end be the most suitable aerodrome to satisfy those needs. That is why having regard to what the Corporation have done for the aerodrome, it is not really possible to give anything in the nature of a permanent assurance, having regard to the needs of the district.

Mr. Maxton

Is it not a fact that the conditions at Renfrew are better than the conditions at Inchinnan which the Ministry has accepted as a permanent aerodrome for its needs, situated a few miles away?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

It is not exactly a question of a comparison between Renfrew and another aerodrome, but the question is that the aerodrome at Renfrew is definitely not capable of improvement as regards size. Therefore, there is a possibility that the needs of the district may be served better by some other aerodrome. It stands to reason that in the public interests the Air Ministry cannot be expected to give a permanent guarantee.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that this aerodrome has been carrying out very valuable services, especially in regard to ambulance work, and that had it not been for this last minute decision it would have been closed? Is he not prepared to make a definite statement as to what is to be the ultimate fate of the aerodrome, or is he going to allow the matter to drift on for another two years and then at the end of that period for the aerodrome to close?

Mr. Speaker

That is the same question.

Mr. Bellenger

I desire to ask your ruling, Mr. Speaker, on a point of Order. This question was put down by the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Maclean). Is it in order for another hon. Member who has not been asked to put this question, to put it?

Mr. Speaker

The rule, of course, is that an hon. Member asks another hon. Member to put the question. I assume that that has been done; although it is not always done.

Mr. Garro Jones

Is it in order for an hon. Member who has not been asked to do so, to put a question? Is it possible for you, Mr. Speaker, to say whether that is in order or not, having regard to the fact that there are occasions on which an hon. Member deliberately absents himself for reasons for which he does not desire to put the question?

Mr. Speaker

My ruling is that an hon. Member must be authorised by the hon. Member before he asks a question on his behalf. In other words, an hon. Member ought not to ask another hon. Member's question unless he is authorised to do so.

Mr. Maxton

Can you give a ruling in reference to an hon. Member who asks a supplementary question on a question which is unauthorised?

Mr. Speaker

My ruling in regard to supplementary questions would be at considerable length if I began.