HC Deb 20 June 1960 vol 625 c25
32. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Minister of Aviation in view of the heavy increase in passenger and freight traffic at the Leeds-Bradford West Riding Airport, if he will make an immediate financial grant to the appropriate authority to bring about the necessary improvements to the airport.

Mr. Rippon

No, Sir. As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member on 16th May, he cannot say Whether financial aid from the Exchequer would be justified until the Airport Joint Committee has provided further information about its proposals.

Mr. Roberts

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that there has been a tremendous increase in passenger traffic in the last few months and that this warrants some immediate improvement of the airport? This airport is the only one for Yorkshire and he should at least give some encouragement to it.

Mr. Rippon

It is true that the traffic has grown, but it is still not outstanding. We are only too anxious to give all the encouragement we can when, as I say the Airport Joint Committee gives us the further information which we requested.