§ 31. Mr. Bullardasked the Minister of Aviation if he will make a statement on the possibilities of using the now disused American air base at Sculthorpe, Norfolk, for purposes in connection with civil aviation.
§ Mr. MartenI understand that the future of Sculthorpe as a military airfield has still to be determined, so that it may be premature to be considering its possible civil rôle. However, I can say that it would have no place as a major intercontinental airport if Stansted is selected as the site for the third London Airport.
§ Mr. BullardWhile I appreciate all the difficulties of using this base for civil aviation purposes, may I ask whether my hon. Friend is aware that the potential closing of the base is likely to have an enormous effect on the area and that the size and scope of the installations are vast and that it seems a great pity that some future profitable use cannot be found for them?
§ Mr. MartenThat is the very point which has not yet been decided, but if its use as a military airfield is discontinued it is up to the local authorities, in consultation with us, to consider its future use.