HC Deb 05 November 1958 vol 594 cc921-2
10. Sir R. Conant

asked the Secretary of State for Air what arrangements are contemplated, when Perranporth Airfield is offered for sale, to ensure that it will continue to be available for gliding and private flying.

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

The gliding and flying club which uses the airfield at present does so under temporary arrangements. If it, or any other flying or gliding club, is interested in buying the airfield we shall naturally be ready to consider its offer with other tenders. Otherwise, it will be for the club to negotiate new arrangements with the new owners.

Sir R. Conant

Does my hon. Friend appreciate the very strong feeling that exists everywhere that gliding clubs and private flying should have every possible encouragement, and that where clubs of this sort are closed down, it is very difficult indeed to start them up again?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

My right hon. Friend is very mindful of those sentiments.

Mr. Beswick

Has the Minister consulted his right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to see if something can be inserted in the contract of sale to ensure that there are facilities for private and glider flying in that part of the country?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

That is another question, which may be put down on the Order Paper. There are a number of other airfields in that part of the country, and this Question particularly concerns Perranporth airfield.

Mr. G. Wilson

Will my hon. Friend agree that there are two tenders which have been put in, and that both would protect the existence of the flying clubs?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

It is not normal public practice to reveal how many tenders are put in until after the closing date, and it would be quite wrong to make a true and accurate answer to that question.