HC Deb 05 December 1951 vol 494 c2357
1. Mr. Gordon Touche

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation if he can make any statement regarding the future of Gatwick Airport.

5. Mr. F. Beswick

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation if he will make a statement about the future of Gatwick Airport.

The Minister of Civil Aviation (Mr. John Maclay)

Consideration is being given to the development of Gatwick as a bad weather alternate for London Airport and as a base for some air transport activities. I hope that a decision on the future of the airport will not be long delayed.

Mr. Beswick

Since this is a matter which involves consideration both by the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Civil Aviation could we not have expected that some results of co-ordination would have arisen in this case?

Mr. Maclay

Rapid as we are in our action I think that to deal with this question in three weeks would be a little too rapid, but it is being dealt with as quickly as possible.