§ 29. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when it is intended to publish the expert report on which the development of the London airport at Heathrow is now proceeding.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. Ivor Thomas)The report in question was prepared for Departmental use only. The subject matter is highly technical, and I do not think that the report would be of sufficient general interest to warrant publication. A precis is being prepared, and I will arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library as soon as possible.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in view of the very large sum of money expended on this airport, it is a matter of general interest, and cannot the whole of the report be published?
Mr. ThomasThere is certainly general interest in the aerodrome, but I think that the precis will meet that general interest, which I thoroughly recognise.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreCan the hon. Gentleman say why this airport at Heathrow is being formally opened before it is really finished?