HC Deb 24 November 1948 vol 458 cc1216-8
3. Commander Noble

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how much has been spent on the development of airfields at Castel Benito and Malta respectively, since 1st January, 1946.

Mr. Lindgren

Both Castel Benito and Luqa (Malta) aerodromes are jointly used by military and civil aviation. The expenditure on combined military and civil account in developing runways and taxiways during the period from 1st January, 1946, to 31st July, 1948, was £4,100 at Castel Benito and £52,600 at Luqa.

Commander Noble

Could the hon. Gentleman differentiate between that which was spent on behalf of B.O.A.C.?

Mr. Lindgren

I cannot give the actual division of costs between the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Air Ministry, but it will be shown in their respective Votes.

Commander Noble

Would it not have been better if the £4,100 had been spent in a British colony, and not in a foreign country?

Mr. Lindgren

No, Sir, both aerodromes are jointly used by Royal Air Force and civil operators.

7. Sir Frank Sanderson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, what are the sizes of the runways at Castel Benito and Luqa, Malta, respectively.

Mr. Lindgren

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Sir F. Sanderson

Can the Minister tell the House which of the two runways is the longer?

Mr. Lindgren

The longest runway is at Castel Benito. The length of a runway is not the only factor governing its operational suitability. Bearing strength, over-shoots and the degree of slope are also factors to be taken into account.

Air-Commodore Harvey

In view of the unemployment at Malta, is it not possible for Luqa to be enlarged and made suitable to receive aircraft by day and night?

Mr. Speaker

The Question asked was about the sizes of runways and not about unemployment in Malta.

Following is the reply:

Airfield Length of runway Width of runway
Feet Feet
Castel Benito
North/South 7,275 150
East/West 4,950 150
Northeast / Southwest 4,950 150
Luqa
Northeast / Southwest 6,000 150
Northwest / Southeast 5,528 150