HC Deb 26 July 1950 vol 478 cc440-1
33. Mr. Crouch

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many airports have been taken over by his Department; and how many more they contemplate taking over.

Mr. Beswick

Thirty-two aerodromes have been taken over by my Department. The programme is still under review, but it is unlikely that the present total will be exceeded.

Mr. Crouch

Will the Minister bear in mind that there could have been great economy if some of the smaller airports had been run by private enterprise?

Mr. Beswick

There is no reason why some of the smaller airports should not now be run by private enterprise.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Can the Minister say whether this includes the excellent airport at Perth, which has hitherto been neglected.