§ 20. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation why the London airport is being declared open on 1st June, when it is still inadequately equipped to receive foreign aircraft or visitors.
Mr. Ivor ThomasI refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I made to the hon. Member for South Edinburgh (Sir W. Darling) on 29th May last.
§ Sir T. MooreAs the hon. Gentleman will be aware, that Question was not reached nor has it been adequately answered. While admitting that the runways at Heathrow may be adequate, does the hon. Gentleman really think it is helping our tourist traffic to welcome visitors to marquees and mud?
Mr. ThomasYes, Sir; this is a matter which should be counted unto us for righteousness. We have thrown open the aerodrome months before the scheduled time and the American operators have expressed their gratitude to us.