§ 4. Mr. Shortasked the Minister of Aviation what financial assistance has been given by the Government to the development of Manchester and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Airports, respectively, in the past ten years.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)Manchester £1.5 million. Newcastle-upon-Tyne nil.
§ Mr. ShortDoes not the hon. Gentleman think that that is rather shocking comparative treatment as between these two leading cities, one in the North-West and the other in the North-East? Is he aware that Newcastle ratepayers have built, maintained and developed this airport for the whole of the North-East in the past ten years? Is he aware that this morning conditions in the airport were absolutely chaotic because of the number of passengers? When is he going to help Newcastle to develop its airport?
§ Mr. RipponApart from Manchester, Birmingham is the only other airport which receives any grant from the Ministry, and the volume of traffic at both of them is much greater. When my right hon. Friend saw the deputation from Newcastle-upon-Tyne he indicated his sympathetic consideration of its needs.
§ Mr. P. WilliamsIn relation to Newcastle Airport, is not the important thing to get co-operation between various local authorities so that all local authorities in the area can play a part in developing the airport?
§ Mr. RipponThat is so, and I think they are showing a great deal of co-operation.
§ Mr. ChetwyndIn view of the fact that the local authorities have got together and have been knocking at the door of the Ministry for a long time, is it not high time that the Minister gave an answer to the request?
§ Mr. RipponI hope we shall be able to give a reply very shortly.