HC Deb 12 December 1962 vol 669 cc506-7

Question proposed, That the Clause stand part of the Bill.

Mr. C. Hughes

On Second Reading I raised the question of additional works under this Clause. The Under-Secretary then said that the works would be of a restricted nature. He also said that he had offered a formal undertaking to consult the Anglesey County Council before any start was made on these additional works. I believe that the county council has accepted the offer. I wonder whether the Under-Secretary could confirm that.

Mr. Ridsdale

I am glad that the hon. Member has raised this point. The Anglesey County Council expressed concern about the Clause, fearing that it would make it possible to swallow up all the remaining common land without recourse to further legislation. That concern was echoed during the Second Reading. I welcome the fact that since then the county council has agreed not to press for the Clause to be amended in this respect but to accept an undertaking by the Air Ministry to consult it on any proposals for additional works under the Clause.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 7 and 8 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Preamble agreed to.

Bill reported, without Amendment.

8.12 p.m.

Mr. Ridsdale

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time.

I do not wish to detain the House for mare than a few minutes, but I should like to thank the hon. Member for Anglesey (Mr. C. Hughes) and hon. Members on both sides of the House for the useful suggestions which have been made in the course of our debates and for their co-operation in helping me to introduce what is my maiden Ministerial Bill. My thanks are also due to the local people of Anglesey for the help which they have given in connection with the Bill. Help to the Royal Air Force from that quarter is no new thing. For a long period the inhabitants of Anglesey have been excellent friends to the Royal Air Force. May this long continue.

8.13 p.m.

Mr. Mulley

I do not wish to detain the House, but I think it would be proper for us to express our congratulations to the Under-Secretary upon his competence and the smooth passage that the Bill has had. We have been completely persuaded by him that this is excellent both for the Royal Air Force and for the people of Anglesey. But I must warn him that perhaps not all his Ministerial Measures will meet with such a smooth and pleasant passage.

I hope that the Bill will not only serve a most useful purpose to the Royal Air Force but make a contribution to the increasing prosperity of the people of Anglesey. I trust that it may one day be possible for the extended runway to be put to civil use, an idea which my hon. Friend the Member for Anglesey (Mr. C. Hughes) has very close to his heart. He has wholeheartedly sought additional employment and possibilities for the people of Anglesey, and I hope this Bill will make a contribution in that general direction as well as being a very good thing for the Royal Air Force.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed.