HC Deb 05 May 1965 vol 711 c1344
29. Mr. A. Royle

asked the Minister of Aviation where the Alcock and Brown statue will be sited at the entrance to London Airport; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stonehouse

A new site for this statue has been found in the Central Terminal Area; near the Oceanic No. 3 Passenger Building, where it will be visible to all transatlantic passengers and their friends.

Mr. Royle

Will the hon. Gentleman look at this again? That site in the middle of the London Airport area outside the Oceanic building is surrounded by motor cars, and it is very difficult to see this statue. Will the hon. Gentleman consider putting it at the entrance to the tunnel in the central area of London Airport? Will he not allow himself to be bullied by his right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, who always seems to be afraid that people driving motor cars will not keep their eyes on the road because their attention is distracted by statues? This statue of the two men who were the first to fly the Atlantic should be seen by everybody entering London, and it should be displayed at the best site.

Mr. Stonehouse

I agree that this is a very important statue, but I believe that the site we have for it is an extremely good one. There would be traffic complications in placing the statue on the main road into Heathrow.

Mr. Dell

Is my hon. Friend aware that they were both Manchester men, and that there is an excellent memorial to them at Manchester Airport?

Mr. Stonehouse

We are well aware that the north country has produced some very fine men, particularly additions to the House in the last few months.