§ 26. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Secretary of State for Air how many airfields are not in use by the R.A.F.; and what percentage of the total acreage is tinder cultivation.
§ The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Arthur Henderson)The number of airfields no longer used by the R.A.F., but still held by my Department, comprises 33 used for flying and 209 for storage by other Government Departments, and 11 which are at present being derequisitioned. All of this land has been made available for agriculture, except where it is covered by buildings, concrete tracks and hard-standings, or is otherwise unsuited to agricultural use.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyCould the right hon. and learned Gentleman say how many out of the 200 odd aerodromes used for storage, are actually being used for cultivation?
§ Mr. HendersonI think the total acreage involved in all these stations is about 135,000 acres—at least, it is estimated to be about 135,000 acres. It is also estimated that about 70,000 are being used for agricultural purposes.
§ Mr. John LewisAs my right hon. and learned Friend's reply indicates that some of these airfields which are not in use are serviceable, will he consider sympathetically applications by air charter companies to lease these airfields until such time as they are required by his Department?
§ Mr. HendersonThat raises an entirely different question.
Mr. VaneWill the Minister say what he means by "made available for agriculture"? Does he mean that the land is handed over to the Land Commission or to the local war agricultural committees, or is cultivated by the airmen in their spare time?
§ Mr. HendersonIt is mostly taken over by the Ministry of Agriculture.
§ Mr. TiffanyWill the Minister insert in the report the list of the Tr airfields that are being derequisitioned?
§ Mr. HendersonI will certainly consider doing that.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanCan the Minister say whether the airfields in Scotland are handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture?
§ Mr. HendersonYes, Sir.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanWhy?
§ Mr. HendersonThey are handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture in order that they may be used for agricultural purposes.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanWhat about the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State for Scotland, who is responsible for agriculture in Scotland.