HC Deb 08 November 1939 vol 353 c193
13. Mr. Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any change of programme is contemplated with regard to Abbotsinch aerodrome?

Sir K. Wood

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton) on 25th October last.

Mr. Davidson

Is the Minister aware that since that reply rumours have gone around that the area in which that aerodrome is to be situated is to be greatly changed? Can he say whether that is true or not?

Sir K. Wood

My answer still remains.

Mr. Maxton

Does the Minister know that he caused a tremendous upset to a large number of people in that area?

Sir K. Wood

I regret that any announcement of mine caused any upset in that area, but, as the hon. Member will appreciate, I stated that part of the work would be carried out, and I explained what was happening.

Mr. Maxton

But is the Minister aware that he went ahead and turned up ground and made excavations and all the rest, at great public expense, and that it has proved completely useless?

Sir K. Wood

The hon. Member will recollect that I said that, as arrangements had been made elsewhere which would expedite the provision of the facilities required, the steps which I indicated were taken.

Mr. Maxton

But did they not discover that the site was quite unsuitable?