§ 20. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will make a statement on the future need of the small aerodromes.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. Beswick)I anticipate that small aerodromes will continue to be required for charter flights, flying clubs and private fliers. It is not intended to acquire such aerodromes for the State, and local interests will continue to be responsible for their upkeep.
§ Mr. SmithIn cases where aerodromes will never meet modern needs, would the Minister be prepared to consult municipalities so that the aerodromes might no longer be used for their present purpose, and if that is in the national interest, be used for better purposes, like housing?
§ Mr. BeswickIf the aerodromes are municipally owned and the need for such aerodromes is not apparent, it would be within the power of the municipality to give up the operation of that airport.
§ Mr. SmithIn cases where these places are municipally owned, they 2243 depend upon the Ministry for expert advice. Would the Ministry advise the municipality whether or not such aerodromes will he required in the future?
§ Mr. BeswickCertainly; we shall be pleased to give advice on any problem of this character with which municipality is confronted.