§ 11. Mr. J. Howardasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will make a statement in reply to the representations made to him in May by the Southampton Airport Consultative Committee on the future of the airport at Eastleigh.
§ Mr. NeaveWe are still in consultation with the Corporation of Southampton. I hope that a statement about the future of the airport will be made shortly when the Corporation's views are known.
§ Mr. HowardDoes my hon. Friend appreciate that uncertainty about Southampton Airport has existed for a long time? This is of great concern to the users of the airport and to business interests in the town. Will my hon. Friend do everything he can to expedite a final decision in this matter?
§ Mr. NeaveI think my hon. Friend knows that the Consultative Committee of Southampton has been fully consulted about the problem of Eastleigh's future. It is known to the Committee that the cost of developing Eastleigh as proposed would be very high. I do not think I can say anything further until we have had the Council's answer, which we expect very shortly.
§ Dr. KingWill the hon. Gentleman tell us whether the decision of the Government to modernise the airport or not depends entirely on whether or not they can get rate aid from Southampton, or have the Government a policy of their own in the matter?
§ Mr. NeaveWe have put certain proposals to Southampton with regard to the cost and we are expecting a reply.