41. Air Commodore Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in formulating plans for a new airfield at Hong Kong; and what extensions are proposed for the existing airport at Kai Tak.
§ Mr. LytteltonNo plans have as yet been approved for the construction of a new civil airfield at Hong Kong. The Government of Hong Kong have decided to employ a British firm of consulting engineers to draw up a detailed scheme for the development of the existing civil airport at Kai Tak on the lines recommended in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Survey Party's Report. A decision as to what extensions are practicable at Kai Tak must await the receipt and consideration of this scheme.
Air Commodore HarveyIs my right hon. Friend aware that this matter of a new airport has been under consideration for nearly six years and the previous Administration promised that Hong Kong would have a new airport, but nothing was done about it; and will he insure that the Comet is enabled to land at Hong Kong on a safe and proper airport at an early date?
§ Mr. LytteltonThe question of a new airport at Kai Tak raises wide questions as to whether aircraft coming in would not in fact have to go over other territories, and the Report is designed to see whether the present airport can be adapted for the use of the Comet.