HC Deb 05 March 1952 vol 497 cc400-1
10. Air Commodore A. V. Harvey

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation when he intends publishing the trading accounts covering the administration of British airports.

Mr. Maclay

With the agreement of the Committee of Public Accounts of this House, the preparation and publication of trading accounts for the Ministry's aerodrome services has been suspended.

Air Commodore Harvey

Is my hon. Friend aware that the whole question of airfields in this country needs reviewing and that some of the surfaces are not being kept in condition? Will he look at the matter again, because these airfields ought to be run on a proper business basis?

Mr. Maclay

Statements of running costs supplemented by statements of capital expenditure are being prepared in respect of each aerodrome operated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The statements will be available to the Committee of Public Accounts and to the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Mr. Erroll

Would it not be advisable to publish these accounts before imposing a charge on passengers landing and embarking at these airports?