18. Mr. Slaterasked the Minister of Aviation if he will list the civilian airports in England; how many are operated by charter companies; and what plans he has for making civil airport facilities available for Tees-side and South Durham.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftOf the 71 civil aerodromes in England, 14 are operated by companies which also provide either scheduled or charter air services. I will, with permission, circulate a list of the aerodromes in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The provision of an aerodrome for the local needs of Tees-side and South Durham is a matter for the local authorities.
Mr. SlaterIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am not sure whether he knows this area to which I am referring, but from the point of view of the provision of airport facilities it has been neglected for a long time? Is he aware that we once had such facilities at Greatham, but they were closed down? Is he aware of the growth which has taken place in the population and the gathering momentum of public opinion on Tees-side? In view of this, does not he think that the time has come when he should enter into consultations with the local authorities and attempt to provide the accommodation which is needed in the North-East, especially in view of the concentration of such facilities in other parts of the country?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe North-East is a fairly large area. There are a number of local authorities around Newcastle which are combining in establishing or developing aerodromes, and with regard to areas further south, I should have thought that the initiative ought to come from the local authorities.
Mr. SlaterIs the Minister aware that I endeavoured to direct my question to him from the point of view of the local authorities? I asked whether he was prepared to invite local authorities
| AERODROMES IN ENGLAND (1ST MAY, 1961) | |
| AERODROMES OPERATED BY THE MINISTRY OF AVIATION | |
| London (Heathrow) | Bournemouth |
| London (Gatwick) | Land's End |
| Stansted | Scilly Isles |
| Blackpool | Southampton |