§ 32. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Air what decision he has reached concerning the future of the Royal Air Force Station, Llandaff; and whether he will make a statement.
Mr. WardWith the exception of a few buildings for the Royal Observer Corps and the Air Training Corps, this station is no longer needed for the Royal Air Force. Its possible use by other Government Departments is being examined.
§ Mr. ThomasSince this station is in the middle of one of the city's most delightful housing estates, would the Minister consider offering to the corporation this great area of land, as it is quite out of harmony to have this military centre in the middle of a housing estate?
Mr. WardI am sure the hon. Gentleman will agree that it is necessary to make sure that a Government-owned asset on which a lot of public money has been spent is not disposed of before we can be quite sure that another Government Department does not need it. If eventually we conclude that no other Government Department does need it, it will, of course, be put up for sale.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that other airfields, including Pembrey as well as Llandaff, are being closed in South Wales? The right hon. Gentleman says that he consults other Departments. Will he say what other Departments he consults? How does he reckon to preserve many millions of public money which have Peen spent on airfields which are closed down?
Mr. WardThis is not an airfield. It is a small unit, and I understand that the War Office is interested in it.
§ Mr. ThomasAs this station covers a considerable area of ground and it is believed that the Minister intends to hand it over to the War Office, will he consider the representations of local people and let the corporation bid for it if it is a question of estimates?
Mr. WardOf course, if it is decided to sell the property the corporation will be able to bid for it.