HC Deb 18 December 1957 vol 580 cc417-8
70. Mr. Hunter

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether Gatwick Airport will be opened next year in time for British European Airways to operate their summer air traffic.

57. Sir A. V. Harvey

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when he expects Gatwick Airport to be open for operations; what airlines are expected to operate there; and from what date.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Airey Neave)

I am not yet ready to announce the exact date of opening, but I am confident that the airport will be available for services next summer. It is expected that British European Airways, Channel Island services, Transair Ltd. and Jersey Airlines, and possibly other airlines, will then operate from Gatwick.

Mr. Hunter

Can the Joint Parliamentary Secretary say whether arrangements have been made at Victoria Station for through trains to the new airport?

Mr. Neave

Those arrangements are under consideration at the moment by B.E.A. and the other parties concerned.