§ 34. Sir R. Thompsonasked the Minister of Transport if, in his discussions with the local authorities on the possible route of M.23, he will make it a condition that the proposed route will pass to the west of Croydon Airport so as not further to delay the development already approved for that site.
§ Mr. SwinglerNo, Sir. The route proposed does not, in fact, cross the Airport, but we cannot restrict the local authorities' freedom to express their views.
§ Sir R. ThompsonDoes that Answer mean that the hon. Gentleman firmly intends that the line of this road will not cut through the airport, whatever the local authorities may say?
§ Mr. SwinglerThat is the proposal which we have put forward. We are awaiting the comments of the local authorities and, of course, we must consult them. It would be quite wrong on my part to say that the proposal which we have put forward is bound to be adopted, whatever the local authorities say. We enter into genuine consultations with them. As I say, at the moment there is no proposal for crossing the airport.