§ 43. Mr. Leaveyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what agreement he has come to with the Secretary of State for Air regarding the facilities for private and commercial air operators which will be available at Biggin Hill when Croydon is closed.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Airey Neave)I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Air, earlier this afternoon.
§ Mr. LeaveySurely my hon. Friend will realise that, now that it is certain that Croydon is to be closed within a month or two, it is imperative that those operating civilian services should know what are their prospects at Biggin Hill or elsewhere? Will he pursue this matter with a little more vigour? Can he give a specific undertaking that a further statement will be made in the autumn?
§ Mr. NeaveI can say that both my right hon. Friend and the Secretary of State for Air, and all those concerned with this very difficult problem, appreciate its urgency, and we hope to make a statement quite soon.
§ Mr. BeswickAre we to understand that the Joint Parliamentary Secretary accepts the opinion expressed earlier by the Secretary of State for Air that the use of Hendon for light civil aircraft is quite ruled out?
§ Mr. NeaveI do not think that I have anything to add to that. It is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.