§ 32. Wing-Commander Cooperasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if it is for his Ministry or for the Air Ministry that the constructional work is being proceeded with at Heath Row Aerodrome; what is the cost of the constructional work decided upon and now in hand; and whether the long-term policy for Heath Row is to be developed for the use of civil aviation or for the R.A.F.
Mr. I. ThomasThe constructional work now proceeding at Heath Row is being undertaken on behalf of the Air Ministry. Work was started during the war to meet Royal Air Force requirements for a large airfield near London for long distance transport, but since it was recognised that the site selected was the best for a major civil airport, there was close consultation between the Air Ministry and my Department to ensure that the work undertaken for military purposes could readily be incorporated in a civil development scheme. Long-term policy is that Heath Row should be developed for the use of civil aviation and the use made of it by the Royal Air Force will depend on defence needs. The cost of the work now in hand is about £4,000,000. Further development on civil aviation account will necessarily extend over a considerable number of years and no estimate of the total cost can yet be given.