HC Deb 02 April 1958 vol 585 cc1203-4
16. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he has now reached a decision on the Report of the Millbourn Committee on the future development of London Airport; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Watkinson

I have decided to accept the recommendations of the Mill-bourn Committee as the framework of future development at London Airport. The next phase will include the construction of additional aircraft stands in the central terminal for which tenders will be invited next month. Designs are also well advanced for a new passenger building in the central terminal for the long-haul operators to take the place of the temporary buildings on the Bath Road.

Sir W. Wakefield

Could my right hon. Friend state the timetable of the programme for the next stage of construction which he has just described to the House?

Mr. Watkinson

What I said is that the most urgent thing is the new acreage of concrete for the big new jets and propjet aircraft which are coming into service. That will be followed immediately, I hope, by work on the new passenger terminal building, which also we want to have open, at least in part, within the next two or three years.