§ 7. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Civil Aviation to give an estimate of the present annual cost to his Department of Bovingdon and Croydon airports, respectively; and when he expects to implement the policy of closing down these airports.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe net annual cost to my Department of Bovingdon and Croydon airports is estimated at approximately £70,000 and £80,000, respectively. With regard to the last part of the Question, as I told the House on 2nd December last, although it is intended that civil operations from Bovingdon and Croydon should eventually cease, I am not yet able to forecast any actual dates.
§ Mr. BeswickSince we are incurring considerable expense whilst these two remain in operation, is this another matter to which I can ask the hon. Gentleman to give his very close attention in order to see if he can come to a decision?
§ Mr. ProfumoCertainly it is a matter which the hon. Gentleman can ask me to look at carefully. Indeed, I can give an answer now. The dates of transfer will depend on the progress of the development of Gatwick or whatever aerodrome is selected as the southern alternate for London.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanWhen these savings come along, as we hope they will, can a considerable sum be devoted to the re-opening of Errol aerodrome as was promised years ago?
§ Mr. ProfumoI should need notice of that question.