§ 19. Mr. William Teelingasked the Secretary of State for Air what is the present position with regard to the stations at Miho and Iwakuni; how far have they been handed over to Civil Aviation or to Commonwealth or Foreign Powers; what has been the financial arrangement as regards buildings, etc.; and when the R.A.F. are likely to leave these stations.
§ Mr. A. HendersonThe stations at Miho and Iwakuni are part of the British Commonwealth Forces organisation in Japan, under the control of the Supreme Commander. They will remain under the Supreme Commander when R.A.F. units have been withdrawn. All buildings for the occupying forces are provided, without payment, by the Japanese authorities. Except for a small detachment for maintaining certain essential communications, all R.A.F. units will have left these stations by 31st March.
§ Mr. TeelingDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise how much many of us regret this departure, especially of the fighter squadrons who were able to show both the Japanese and the Americans what very good weapons the Air Force could produce; further, would he answer the other part of the Question and say what is to happen with regard to civil aviation in view of the fact that civil aviation planes are to land at Iwakuni? Are the R.A.F. or the American Forces going to look after them?
§ Mr. HendersonAs far as the civil aviation side of the matter is concerned, that would be the responsibility of the Minister of Civil Aviation.
§ Mr. TeelingHas not the right hon. and learned Gentleman worked that out already? Has it not been decided?
§ Mr. HendersonI have no responsibility at all for civil aviation.