HC Deb 26 November 1962 vol 668 cc12-3
15. Mr. George Craddock

asked the Minister of Aviation, in view of the fact that arrangements were made for some 484,000 kilograms of cloth from Barcelona to be flown to the Leeds and Bradford Airport and that the aircraft arrived at Manchester Airport on the 30th October, why a permit to land at Leeds and Bradford Airport was issued by his Department for this aircraft.

Mr. J. Amery

The permit was issued because the operating company asked for it and there was no reason to refuse. After further consideration, the company decided without reference to my Department, to fly to Manchester. They have now been told that the facilities at Leeds and Bradford Airport would be adequate for their operations and I understand that in future they will go there, weather permitting.

Mr. Craddock

I thank the Minister for that reply, but I hope that he will keep this matter in mind because a number of other flights have arrived at Manchester Airport instead of the Leeds and Bradford Airport?

Mr. Amery

Indeed, I will keep this in mind. I think that this only arose because of faulty information on the Spanish side as to the facilities available at Bradford. They now know that facilities are quite adequate to enable them to bring their aircraft in to Leeds and Bradford Airport.

Mr. Tiley

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that Leeds and Bradford are to be congratulated on their initiative and enterprise in building this aerodrome, and will he give it its blessing in every possible way, even if at the moment he cannot make a subsidy towards the enterprise?

Mr. Amery

Yes, indeed. Everything which increases the aerodrome facilities in this country is very much to be welcomed, and I think that Leeds and Bradford have clone a very good job so far.

Mr. Jeger

Does not the point of the original Question denote that there is need for a better aerodrome than that at present situated between Leeds and Bradford and that Yorkshire needs a first-class international airport? Will the Minister do something about it?

Mr. Amery

This is a matter for the local authorities in Yorkshire to do the same kind of job that Manchester, Leeds a id Bradford have been doing.