HC Deb 27 July 1949 vol 467 cc2451-2
15. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the estimated selling value of Horsham St. Faith's Air Station.

Mr. de Freitas

This would depend on the purpose it was sold for, but it would certainly be much less than the cost of replacement. Since it is not proposed that the airfield should be given up, no purpose would be served by exploring the market.

Brigadier Medlicott

Is it not clear that, owing to the proximity of this airfield to a great industrial centre, the value of the land and buildings has increased considerably, apart from their particular Service purpose? Could not consideration be given to selling the site and moving to another aerodrome, bearing in mind that the value of the site would help on the financial side?

Mr. de Freitas

It is possible that the value of the site has increased for some purposes, but under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, we should have to sell it as an airfield.