HC Deb 20 February 1964 vol 689 c1386
30. Mr. Turton

asked the Secretary of State for Air why he has allowed the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute to install a petrol filling station at Leeming Aerodrome where there are a number of local garages giving similar service within easy access to the station and offering a 24-hour service.

Mr. Ridsdale

Because there was a demand from the Royal Air Force personnel there for petrol supplies to be more readily accessible. At present, the nearest local garage is some four miles away and the journey involves two right hand turns across A.1, which is a clearway at this point.

Mr. Turton

Will my hon. Friend go to the place in question and correct the information given in that reply? Is he aware that there are two petrol stations without crossing A.1 and that there are four petrol stations in the near vicinity? Rill my hon. Friend reconsider this decision in view of the fact that four tradesmen are doing this trade and he is subjecting them to State-subsidised competition, which is extremely unfair to them?

Mr. Ridsdale

I assure my right hon. Friend that I have examined the position on the map. I am sure that my right hon. Friend would wish to bear in mind the welfare interests of the 450 Royal Air Force men at Leeming, that N.A.A.F.I. sales are restricted to personnel and their families on the station and there is, therefore, no question of competing with normal civil trade in the area.

Mr. Turton

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.