HC Deb 02 April 1952 vol 498 cc1662-3
38. Mr. Ewart

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation if he is in a position to make a statement as to the future possibility of an international airport being established at Boldon, County Durham.

Mr. Braithwaite

No, Sir, but the site is being safeguarded against surface development which might prejudice its use as an international airport at some future time.

Mr. Ewart

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he or his noble Friend will keep in mind the industrial and economic importance of the North-East, and the absence of such facilities as are asked for in the Question? Furthermore, can we hope for better treatment from the remote control in the House of Lords than we have had from the Postmaster-General on other matters?

Mr. Braithwaite

With regard to the first part of the supplementary question, which is the only relevant part, all these matters are considered.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is, so far as I am aware—I am open to correction—the only point in the country where there is no provision for air travel, and could not that matter be corrected?

Mr. Braithwaite

The right hon. Gentleman is misinformed. Tyneside is served by Woolsington Aerodrome and Tees-side by West Hartlepool Aerodrome, which are both in that area.

Mr. Beswick

Is not it also a fact that neither of these two airports is capable of the development required for a civil airport for the future?

Mr. Braithwaite

As the hon. Member was the Parliamentary Secretary in this Department during the previous Administration, he will be able to explain his lack of action in the matter.