HC Deb 15 July 1958 vol 591 cc986-7
17 and 18. Mr. Gower

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will add to the number of civil airports in Wales at which customs facilities are provided;

(2) at how many civil airports in Wales and Scotland, respectively, customs facilities are provided; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Amory

Customs facilities have been provided at three airports in Scotland and at two airports in Wales. In the interests of staffing economy in the customs, the provision of these facilities is limited to airports where there is sufficient foreign traffic to justify customs designation. Applications for extensions of the facilities to additional airports are considered on their merits by reference primarily to the actual or probable foreign traffic, but this policy is applied reasonably and facilities would be provided, if necessary on an experimental basis, for airports which show a real prospect of developing substantial foreign traffic.

Mr. Gower

Will my right hon. Friend take account of the fact that such development as has occurred in civil aviation in Wales has almost entirely been on local initiative and very largely due to local authorities and other bodies? Does not he think that, in the circumstances, the Treasury could be more helpful, particularly as it is impossible for foreign traffic to be built up until these facilities are provided?

Mr. Amory

I will take note of what my hon. Friend has said, and I hope that he will take note of my words in my main Answer, which indicate that we are willing to take a risk in this matter, and to carry out an experiment if there seems a reasonable chance of extension. I will bear in mind what my hon. Friend has said and I shall be glad if he keeps in touch with me with any suggestions which he may have to make.

Mr. P. Morris

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that applications for the provision of customs facilities at Swansea Airport have been before him for many months now? In view of the fact that the Government have spent nearly £3 million in establishing that airport, that the local authorities have expended many more thousands of pounds since, and that the Minister for Welsh Affairs has promised to make inquiries and to help us, when may we expect a reply? This has been very disappointing and frustrating.

Mr. Amory

I am in touch with the Minister for Welsh Affairs on this matter. I will write to the hon. Member and tell him when I am in a position to make a statement.