HC Deb 29 May 1957 vol 571 cc377-8
1. Mr. B. Harrison

asked the Secretary of State for Air what action he is taking to prevent quarrying and carting gravel at Bocking and through Finchingfield during the hours of darkness in connection with the extensions to Wethersfield Airfield.

The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. George Ward)

The use of the pit at Bocking will cease with effect from next Sunday, 2nd June. I regret that the need to keep Wethersfield Airfield open for flying during part of the day and the operational need to complete the extension of the runway without delay so that new types of aircraft can be deployed, make it essential for night work to continue, but I am investigating the possibility of selecting routes for the contractors' lorries which will minimise disturbance.

Mr. Harrison

In view of the intolerable situation which has arisen at Bocking, would my right hon. Friend consider a meeting on the site between representatives of the U.S. Air Force, the contractors, the local authorities, and possibly myself to discuss the re-routing and re-scheduling of these lorries?

Mr. Ward

Yes, Sir. I will gladly consider that.

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