§ 48. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what recent representations he has had about the closing of Croydon Airport; what reply he has given; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI have received recent representations on this subject from the Royal Aero Club, the Croydon Airport Users' Association, and a number of companies and private individuals. I have told them that I see no reason to alter the decision, announced in the White Paper of 1953, to close Croydon after the opening of Gatwick. I have, however, made renewed efforts to offer alternative accommodation to the users.
§ Mr. BeswickIs the Minister aware that his handling of the matter has given 938 rise to serious anxiety among many responsible people? Is he also aware that the offer with regard to Biggin Hill can be seen only as derisory in view of the shortness of the term of tenancy laid down? May I ask the Minister whether there are any control problems at all connected with Gatwick which could not apply equally to Biggin Hill?
§ Mr. WatkinsonFirst, with regard to Biggin Hill, we have been able to offer a considerable extension of time which I understand may be satisfactory to some users. At Gatwick, we have made a change in the policy and have offered to develop there a base for executive and private flying which, again, I hope may be helpful to users. The decision about Croydon was taken in 1953 and I see no reason to alter it.
§ Mr. GoughIs my right hon. Friend aware that I can say, on behalf of quite a large number of users, that this "considerable extension" at Biggin Hill is not accept-able in the slightest? At the outside, it is only an extension to seven years. Is my my right hon. Friend aware that the whole interests of private flying are wrapped up in this decision? Will he give an assurance that nothing will be done which will be detrimental to the interests of private flying?
§ Mr. WatkinsonNo one is keener than I am to encourage private flying. That is why we have recently set up a Committee under my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary. My hon. Friend brought a deputation to see me and I endeavoured to explain the great difficulties which we face. I hope that he will accept that I did make an offer to that deputation to try to make alternative accommodation available.
§ Mr. BeswickIn view of the unsatisfactory character of the Minister's Answer, I beg to give notice that I shall try to raise the matter on the Adjournment.