§ 23. Major Stourtonasked the Secretary of State for Air whether it is intended to proceed with the erection of an aerodrome 394 on the Stourhead estate at Stourton, Wiltshire, in view of the fact that such action would not only involve the withdrawal of the offer by Sir Henry Hoare, of Stourhead House, of 2,700 acres of land to the National Trust, but discourage future offers of a similar character?
§ Sir K. WoodIt is, I think, within the knowledge of the House that a large number of sites for aerodromes still remain to be found to meet urgent defence requirements in connection with the Royal Air Force expansion scheme, and that it is increasingly difficult to find sites which fulfil the various strategical and technical requirements. Such a site was found near Stourhead, and a very thorough survey has so far failed to reveal any other suitable site in the neighbourhood. Nevertheless, in view of the nature of the generous offer by the owner of the Stourhead estate to bequeath the property to the National Trust, I have decided not to proceed with the acquisition of this site.
§ Major StourtonIs my right hon. Friend aware that this decision will be widely appreciated, especially in the West of England?
§ Mr. GallacherIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it is a scandal that the land of this country should be held by or disposed of at the will of any individual?
§ 24. Mr. Gordon Macdonaldasked the Secretary of State for Air the average cost per acre of the land bought as sites for training aerodromes during the last five years?
§ Sir K. WoodThe average cost has worked out at £48 per acre, including compensation for tenant right, disturbance, severance, etc.
§ 26. Mr. Macdonaldasked the Secretary of State for Air whether, when deciding upon sites for training aerodromes, consideration has been given to the many large derelict areas in the mining districts; and whether, as regards future sites, he will give special attention to such areas?
§ Sir K. WoodMy Department is always prepared to consider such areas as are referred to by the hon. Member, but generally the mining districts do not provide the large flat areas and type of soil required for modern aerodromes.
§ Mr. MacdonaldIs the Minister satisfied that the cost involved in getting these flat areas is so small that it does not make these other areas worth consideration?
§ Sir K. WoodI shall be happy to look into any case which the hon. Member cares to send me.
§ Mr. T. SmithWill the Minister look into parts of West Yorkshire?
§ Sir K. WoodYes, Sir; if any hon. Member can give me particulars of any areas where I can find sites for aerodromes which would be suitable for our requirements, I shall be only too glad to receive them.
§ Mr. PooleIs the Minister bearing in mind the many aerodromes constructed by local authorities which are completely uneconomic propositions, and will he direct his attention to one which has been constructed by the Walsall Corporation?
27. Major Millsasked the Secretary of State for Air whether, with a view both to permitting the best use to be made of agricultural land in the production of foodstuffs and to expediting the choice of suitable sites, he will consult with county councils and their agricultural advisory staffs before acquiring agricultural land for aerodromes and camps?
§ Sir K. WoodIt is the practice of my Department to consult the Departments of Agriculture before agricultural land is acquired for new aerodromes, but the selection of a suitable site depends upon the fulfilment of technical and strategical requirements and the final responsibility for the acquisition of land for Royal Air Force purposes must, therefore, rest with the Air Ministry. In all the circumstances, it is not considered that further consultations are necessary, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the representations of authoritative bodies in any particular case are always given due consideration.