HC Deb 05 April 1950 vol 473 cc1162-3
4. and 5. Mr. Niall Macpherson

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) what steps are being taken to maintain the runways at Tinwold Downs Airfield, Dumfries;

(2) what are his plans in regard to the future of Tinwold Downs Airfield, Dumfries; and whether he will consult with the local planning authority in Dumfries before coming to a final decision.

Mr. A. Henderson

No maintenance is being carried out on the runways of this airfield as it is not at present in flying use. It has been allocated for long term flying purposes with the agreement of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, who will certainly be consulted again if any change in these plans is proposed.

Mr. Macpherson

Does that mean that it has been allocated for civil aviation use or for Air Ministry use for long-term flying purposes? Although it is not proposed to maintain the runways, will they at any rate be protected from unnecessary deterioration and damage?

Mr. Henderson

The long-term use is a matter entirely for the Air Ministry.

THE NUMBERS OF AIRMEN DECLARED DESERTERS FROM THE ROYAL AIR FORCE IN 1939 AND 1949 WERE AS FOLLOW:
— 1939 1949
All airmen Regular airmen National Service airmen All airmen
January … … … … 15 37 14 51
February … … … … 4 47 14 61
March … … … … 3 49 17 66
April … … … … 6 37 13 50
May … … … … 7 43 19 62
June … … … … 6 32 14 46
July … … … … 4 35 13 48
August … … … … 14 31 16 47
September … … … … 6 69 14 83
October … … … … 6 34 6 40
November … … … … 3 34 4 38
December … … … … 6 19 3 22
TOTAL … … … 80 467 147 614