HC Deb 17 April 1946 vol 421 cc2667-8
27. Winģ-Commander Geoffrey Cooper

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what is the present position regarding the design and construction of suitable aerodrome buildings for the use of Heathrow as a civil airport; and what is the target date to which they are working for completion of the buildings.

Mr. Ivor Thomas

It is proposed to set up a Departmental Committee to coordinate the needs of all prospective users, British and foreign, of the permanent terminal building, who will be invited to put forward their requirements to this committee. The committee will also consider the accommodation needed for all essential services which have to be located in the terminal area. When these requirements have been received they will be passed to architects to prepare designs and thereafter a target date for completion can be set. Meanwhile, temporary buildings on the site are being adapted for use and more will be put up as labour and materials are available.

Winģ-Commander Cooper

Does not my hon. Friend consider that this matter is urgent, and can he account for the delay of over six months which has already occurred since his Noble Friend first started taking an interest in Heathrow? Can he give an assurance now that this committee will make its findings at an early date and that as soon as it has made its findings the specifications will be issued to enable the design for the buildings to go out to open competition?

Mr. Thomas

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that an early decision will certainly be given. On the first part of his question, I would point out that it is desirable to get the aerodrome into operation as early as possible, but the needs of terminal buildings must be balanced against housing, which is our primary commitment.

Winģ-Commander Cooper

Could not the situation that was likely to arise have been foreseen by reasonable analysis? We have wasted over six months already.

Mr. Bossom

Can the hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance on what he said in his answer to the last question, that the plans will be put out to pub competition in order to get the best design possible?

Mr. Thomas

That is under examination, and I think it will take place.