HC Deb 06 December 1944 vol 406 c512
25. Captain Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for Air to what extent his Ministry is responsible for the siting, planning and construction of airports for postwar civil aviation.

The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Archibald Sinclair)

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, responsibility for civil aviation planning at home and abroad, is vested in the Minister for Civil Aviation.

Mr. Bowles

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the aerodrome under construction on the Bath Road was not put in hand by his own Ministry?

Sir A. Sinclair

Certainly, Sir, for military purposes.

Mr. Bowles

And not for use for civil purposes?

Sir A. Sinclair

I do not know what it will be used for in future. My right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State has already said that the airports of the future will be chosen from among the aerodromes now being used for military purposes.