§ 35. Mr. J. Howardasked the Minister of Aviation what is the present position in relation to the disposal of the remaining land within the perimeter of Southampton Airport; and, in view of the proposal to withdraw the services from the airport on 30th April, if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RipponThe former owners of the northern extension have withdrawn their offer and the land has been offered to the Southampton Corporation.
My right hon. Friend has already extended the date of withdrawal of services from 9th to 30th April when the air traffic control staff will be needed urgently elsewhere.
If arrangements to take over and carry on with the operation of the aerodrome are not made by the new owners by then, my right hon. Friend can only contemplate providing sufficient facilities for private flying for a short time thereafter, as it is impossible to justify keeping the aerodrome open at public expense indefinitely.
§ Mr. HowardI am grateful to my hon. Friend for the arrangements he has made for the continuance of skeleton services at the airport. May I ask whether he will use his good offices to expedite agreement on the purchase of this remaining small plot of land so that arrangements for the continuation of operations by the new owners of Southampton airport may be pushed forward?
§ Mr. RipponIn this regard I think that the initiative now rests with the Southampton Corporation.