§ 8. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Aviation whether he is aware of the feeling in the South-West that Hum Airport is vitally necessary for the development of the region; and what is Government policy with regard to the future of the airport.
§ Mr. StonehouseI should welcome any initiative by airlines to make a fuller use of Hunt, the importance of which to a part of the South-West I fully recognise.
It remains our policy that this airport can best be developed under local ownership and management, and negotiations to this end are continuing with a consortium of local authorities.
§ Mr. DigbyI am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for that Answer, but will he bear in mind that there is no airport of any kind in Dorset and that Hurn Airport is the only one reasonably close?
§ Mr. StonehouseYes, Sir. I have been to Hurn myself and I realise the importance of this airport to the South-West.
§ Mr. BessellThe Government have taken no initiative to improve any of the airport facilities in the South-West during their period of office. Will the hon. Gentleman take it that everyone is extremely disturbed and disappointed at this?
§ Mr. StonehouseI shall certainly bear in mind the importance of this airport, but the hon. Gentleman will know that many of the airlines are transferring their flights to Southampton and this does, unfortunately, detract from the importance of Hurn.