HC Deb 02 February 1955 vol 536 cc1074-5
27. Mr. Odey

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the ground, due to shifting sand and water, he will consider abandoning Elvington as an aerodrome.

Mr. Ward

No, Sir. Recent tests have established that this airfield can be satisfactorily developed.

Mr. Odey

Is my hon. Friend aware that the local inhabitants, who are very hard-headed Yorkshiremen, regard the great expenditure on this aerodrome as a waste of public money, and that from my own personal observations I share their view? Will he look at the whole matter again in the light of the expenditure?

Mr. Ward

All I can say is that I am informed that very careful tests have been carried out. Experiments have been made on the control of the water level by subsoil drainage, and test panels of runway pavement have been laid and proved satisfactory.