HC Deb 10 December 1952 vol 509 cc462-3

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:

89. Mr. Buswick

,—To ask the Minister of Civil Aviation if he is now in a position to make a statement as to whether London Airport is to be extended to the north side of the Bath Road.

The Minister of Civil Aviation (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)

With permission, I will answer Question No. 89.

Yes, Sir. Careful analysis of the results of a programme of practical experiments recently concluded by my Department has shown that the additional amount of traffic which could be accepted by extending the aerodrome north of the Bath Road would not justify the expenditure and disturbance so incurred.

I have, therefore, decided not to proceed with the plans for the extension, and to release from safeguarding the area north of the Bath Road, apart from the approach paths to the existing runways on London Airport.

Mr. Beswick

While thanking the Minister for that statement, may I ask if he is aware that it will lift a great pall of anxiety from 650 families whose homes are immediately threatened with destruction, and many hundreds more who were indirectly affected? Is he aware, further, that this is a matter in which the skill, ingenuity and perseverance of the officers of his Department will save up to £10 million in capital investment, and that the whole House will be grateful to them for the efforts they have made in this matter?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am sure we all appreciate the tribute which the hon. Member has paid to the technical members of my staff. I am glad to relieve the anxiety of a large number of families. It may, of course, be inevitable that a small number of properties may be affected by the requirements to keep the approaches to the runway south of the Bath Road clear, but otherwise the weight is lifted, as he says, from most people.

Mr. Gough

Has the decision not to go north of the Bath Road been a factor in deciding to develop Gatwick?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No, Sir, the need for an alternate airport under different weather conditions from London remains and would be quite unaffected by this decision. However big London Airport might be, a diversionary airport for bad weather would still be necessary.