§ 29. Mr. Burdenasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the total expenditure, to date, on the provision of ground services for United Kingdom civil aerodromes; and what have been the total receipts, to date, paid in respect of aircraft using these ground facilities.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe total capital and recurrent expenditure, from Ministry of Civil Aviation Vote, from 1945 up to 31st March, 1954, on the provision of ground services for United Kingdom civil aerodromes is approximately £68 million. Total receipts to 31st March, 1954, paid in respect of aircraft using these ground facilities is approximately £13 million.
§ Mr. BurdenWhile appreciating the need for capital expenditure on such projects, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend is aware of the necessity for ensuring an adequate return? How do the landing charges for civil aerodromes in this country compare with those of other countries?
§ Mr. ProfumoI could not answer offhand the last part of my hon. Friend's question. A great deal of the expenditure to which I have referred is revenue-producing. It will yield returns in the years to come.