HC Deb 12 November 1952 vol 507 c920
9. Mr. R. Harris

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation whether in view of the decision to build a third airport in due course to serve London he has yet decided that it will be unnecessary to extend London Airport north of the Bath Road.

Mr. Maudling

A decision on whether it may be necessary to extend London Airport north of the Bath Road must await the completion of practical experiments now in progress. I appreciate the importance of reaching a decision as soon as possible.

Mr. Harris

Is the Minister aware that a lot of people in Heston and Isleworth are saying their prayers very earnestly every night in the hope that a speedy decision will be given and that it will be in the negative?

Mr. Maudling

I am sure that all my hon. Friend's constituents say their prayers very regularly.

Mr. Beswick

Would the Parliamentary Secretary give a date by which the decision will be made?

Mr. Maudling

I am afraid I cannot give an exact date but I hope that it will be only a matter of weeks.