§ 29. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the local authorities in Orkney about Hatston aerodrome; and how the situation now stands.
§ Mr. MaclayThe local authorities in Orkney are interested in, and have communicated with me about the possibility of acquiring the built-up area of Hatston aerodrome, which is in part used for housing and in part for commercial purposes. Ownership of the aerodrome is vested in the Admiralty, and I am in consultation with my right hon. and noble Friend the First Lord on the matter.
§ Mr. GrimondThe Secretary of State may be in consultation with the Admiralty but, at the same time, would it not be worth considering whether there should not now be some sort of conference or "gt-together" of the authorities involved, in order to try to settle the matter? Everyone seems anxious to make progress, but no progress seems to be made.
§ Mr. MaclayI think that the hon. Gentleman realises as well as anyone that this matter is highly complex. We 1230 are making progress, and we hope that decisions will be come to fairly soon.