§ 21. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government where the international hoverport on the South coast is to be sited, and when; and what information he has about the terminus on the other side of the Channel.
§ Mr. WilleyMy right hon. Friend has formally before him a planning application for a hoverport at Pegwell Bay. He is aware of a public announcement by British Rail that they intend to start a service from Dover Harbour in the summer of 1968. He decided to re-open the Pegwell Bay Inquiry in order that the relative advantages of using Dover Harbour might be considered. My right hon. Friend's information about the terminus on the other side of the Channel is given in the Inspector's report of the first part of the public inquiry. I am sending the hon. Member a copy.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltWhen will the final decision on this matter be made? 314 Is it not scandalous that in the country where this form of transport was invented progress should he held up because of the right hon. Gentleman's inability to reach a decision?
§ Mr. WilleyI am not so aware. I am aware that the reopening of the inquiry was generally welcomed, and certainly there will be no delay in reaching a conclusion.