§ 7. Mr. Shackletonasked the Minister of Civil Aviation when he hopes to implement his declared policy to reduce the number of airports in the London area to three.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydProgress in carrying out this policy must necessarily be by stages, and I regret I cannot at present forecast dates.
§ Mr. ShackletonDoes the Minister, perhaps, regret his original statement?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNot at all.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanCan my right hon. Friend say whether when this reduction takes place it will provide an excellent opportunity for opening the airport long promised at Errol in Perthshire?
§ Mr. BeswickDoes the Minister remember that in October, 1952, he made the quite categorical statement that he proposed to reduce the airports serving London from seven to three and that the one difference between his Government and their predecessors was that he could make a decision? Are we to now understand that he can give no date when he proposes to close down the other four?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIf the hon. Gentleman will read my answer, which was carefully prepared, I think he will find the answer there.
§ Mr. BeswickIs there any difference between the statement which the right hon. Gentleman has just made and the statement made by his predecessor?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIt is the difference between action and inaction.