HC Deb 07 November 1945 vol 415 cc1267-8
34. Lieut.-Commander Joynson-Hicks

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what use is being made of the Earnley bombing range and the Selsey advanced landing grounds; and whether they can now be restored to food production.

Mr. Strachey

This range and the landing grounds went out of use at the end of October. The range will be released when it has been cleared of unexploded missiles. I hope that the landing grounds can be freed at the same time.

44. Mr. Turton

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many aerodromes involving how many acres have been derequisitioned since 8th May, 1945.

73. Mr. Bossom

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has yet-decided which of the service aerodromes can now be released and made available for fanning purposes.

Mr. Strachey

Since 8th May derequisitioning has been completed or is in progress at 29 airfields, comprising 7,500 acres. A further 40,000 acres have been let for agricultural purposes. In addition, 78 airfields have been made available at the request of other Departments as storage depots and camps, thus enabling factories, private houses, schools and hotels to be given up. Until the size and character of our post war air force are decided it will be impossible finally to choose which airfields are to be kept and which released.

Mr. Turton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the country is disturbed by the fact that out of 600 airfields only 29 have been released, and is he further aware that this delay in derequisitioning is holding up both house building and food production?

Mr. Strachey

No, Sir, only 29 may have been derequisitioned, but 78 more are being used by other Government Departments, which frees other and more important property.

Mr. Bossom

Is the hon. Gentleman having the runways removed before the airfields are derequisitioned, so that they are available for agricultural purposes?

Mr. Strachey

That differs in different cases.

Mr. Bossom

What is the good of turning these airfields back if they cannot be used?

Mr. Strachey

But the runways comprise a very small area of the whole airfield—[Hon. Members: "Oh"]—compared with the whole area of the field.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

What are the real reasons for holding on to satellite aerodromes, which apparently have no real purpose under present conditions?

Mr. Strachey

I do not think that a satellite aerodrome is necessarily less suitable for permanent use than many of the parent ones which have only hutment buildings on them.