§ 20. Mr. Ralph Morleyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what is to be the future of the Southampton Marine Airport, which cost £139,000, after the Solent flying-boats have ceased to operate.
§ Mr. BeswickUnless some temporary use can be found, Southampton Marine Airport will be kept on care and maintenance until the Princess flying-boats start operating.
§ Mr. MorleyCan my hon. Friend state the exact date when Solent flying-boats will cease to operate and the approximate date when Princess flying-boats will come into operation?
§ Mr. BeswickI cannot be more specific than I have already been in the answer to my hon. Friend's Question.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydDoes that answer mean that there will be no British flying-boats flying on the Corporation's services until the Princesses are ready? If that is so, will the only flying-boats flying from England be in the hands of charter companies?
§ Mr. BeswickThat is so.
§ Mr. MorleyIs my hon. Friend aware that there is very great anxiety among executives and workers at the flying-boat base because of uncertainty about the date at which these boats will cease to operate?
§ Mr. BeswickI well appreciate that, and I think my hon. Friend is to be congratulated on his perseverance in the matter, but I have given all the information we can give. I cannot add to it.