HC Deb 02 April 1958 vol 585 cc1205-6
18. Mr. Farey-Jones

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent the new arrangements relating to construction within the approach areas of busy aerodromes will apply only to civil aerodromes; and which ones will be affected.

Mr. Watkinson

In agreement with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Housing and Local Government, and with the Government of Northern Ireland, I have decided that the new arrangements should apply to the following civil airports operated by my Department: London, Birmingham, Southampton, Blackbushe, Gatwick, Stansted, Renfrew, Prestwick and Nutts Corner. I am consulting the owners of Manchester and Southend Airports and of Lydd about the extension of the new arrangements to these airports. In addition, I understand that similar action is proposed as regards certain of the aerodromes controlled by my noble Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty and my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Air and the Minister of Supply.

Mr. Farey-Jones

Whilst thanking the Minister for the composite nature of that reply, may I ask him whether he will kindly undertake, in view of the supreme importance of this matter, to keep it at the top of his list of priorities?

Mr. Watkinson

Yes. We have now made progress in clearly setting out the airports where this safeguarding will take place, and now we shall be able to go ahead with the actual work.