§ 8. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Aviation whether he will make a statement on the future administration of London's airports, arising from his review of the policy for airport management.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftA White Paper will be issued later this week setting out the Government's policy for civil aerodromes, including those serving London. This problem is also dealt with in a valuable Report from the Select Committee on Estimates on London Airports. It will be found that Government policy is broadly in line with their recommendations on this subject.
§ Mr. ChetwyndIs the Minister aware that that statement will meet with general satisfaction?
§ Mr. P. WilliamsIs my right hon. Friend aware that it is quite incredible that organisations like B.E.A. continue to use London Airport whereas Gatwick is so much nearer to their destination? If they could be persuaded to use Gatwick they would keep out of the London area and save considerable flying time and, therefore, fuel? To that extent they could save expenditure and might even increase their profits. Can my right hon. Friend do something to persuade them to use Gatwick, which would be more efficient for Gatwick and perhaps for B.E.A. as well?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftAll these matters raise complicated factors which would be appropriate to debate on the Estimates Committee's Report or on the White Paper.