HC Deb 15 March 1961 vol 636 c1380
16. Sir J. Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that the funnel restrictions on development adjacent to aerodromes create increased difficulty and expense to the local electricity authorities in carrying out their duty to provide electricity; and if he will assist financially, or otherwise, the electricity authorities to enable them to give equal service to the residents in such areas.

The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Julian Amery)

It is the established practice in matters of this kind that any extra expense should be borne by the second corner to the area.

Sir J. Maitland

Is that not a manifest injustice? Here is a situation in which the house came first and then the aerodrome; and because of the aerodrome, the electricity people have to charge more to those who dwell in the original houses. Surely, this is an injustice. Should not my right hon. Friend try to put this injustice right, even though it has been going on for a long time?

Mr. Amery

I do not think that we could be liable for a financial responsibility where we are not the second comer. If an airfield is held, whether in reserve or on active service, we have to safeguard the runway approaches.