HC Deb 25 March 1964 vol 692 cc457-8
22. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Minister of Aviation what action he proposes to take on the report of a survey recently published by the Yorkshire Airport Development Association, a copy of which has been sent to him, making certain proposals on airport development in the North-East.

Mr. Marten

I agree with much of the report which confirms my Department's view that there is no case for a single regional airport for the North-East and Yorkshire Region. We are already assisting financially with the development of Woolsington and are taking over Middleton St. George from the Air Ministry for transfer to the local authorities. We shall be glad to help the local authorities at Hull—with whom we have already been in touch—in any planning or technical problems connected with the proposed civil development at Brough.

Mr. Roberts

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the Press reports, obviously authoritative, confirming that there will be two more international airports in the South-East, or around London? Does he realise that the population of the South-East should not be further increased but that there should be a movement to the North? Well he give consideration to the provision of an international airport in Yorkshire?

Mr. Marten

That has already been considered and it does not fit into the pattern of aviation in this country.

Mr. Tiley

Will my hon. Friend tell the House how, if we are to have two more international airports within an hour of London, plus a Channel tunnel, we Northerners are to get to the South? Admittedly, I have never found anything worth coming south for except to attend this place but we have to go to and travel from London Airport. In the broad survey of the country's transport, is it not time that some attention was given to Yorkshire and the North-East?

Mr. Marten

I do not know whether my hon. Friend heard my Answer but mentioned, for the North-East, the development of Woolsington and Middleton St. George. There is also the improvement at Yeadon at the moment, and we are prepared to help Hull with any proposed civil airport developments and technical problems. A substantial effort is being made by the Government to improve communications with the North-East.