HC Deb 22 October 1952 vol 505 cc992-3
29. Mr. R. Harris

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation if he will set up a committee to consider the whole question of siting of airports, and, in particular, to consider the effect on the local populations of the siting of existing and proposed airports.

Mr. Maudling

No, Sir. Few, if any, new sites will be required for future civil airports. Any development or extension of existing airports is invariably preceded by close study of the effects on the local populations and by consultation with the local authorities concerned.

Mr. Harris

Does that answer mean that the Minister is not prepared to consider any fresh airports, having regard to the anticipated great increase in the traffic at London Airport which is said to be going up to 100 planes an hour?

Mr. Maudling

It means, as I have said, that few if any new sites will be required for civil aviation.

Mr. Bottomley

The Minister will be aware of correspondence passing between himself and myself about the airport at Rochester. He must recognise that airports in built-up areas are of great public concern, and will he consider the establishment of a committee of this kind?

Mr. Maudling

I do not think a committee of this kind would serve the purpose which the right hon. Gentleman has in mind.