HC Deb 17 October 1968 vol 770 cc553-4
5. Mr. Anderson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received about the development of a site in South Monmouthshire as an intercontinental airport.

The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mrs. Eirene White)

The Welsh Advisory Committee for Civil Aviation has drawn my right hon. Friend's attention to a possible site on the Welsh Grounds shoal, off the coast of Monmouthshire, which the Committee thinks might be suitable for development in the long term as an inter-continental airport.

Mr. Anderson

Whilst I welcome in principle the potential of such an airport to industrial development in the area, will the Government now say that they have learned the lessons of Stansted, and that the views of local people will be fully canvassed before the eventual decision?

Mrs. White

I have no doubt that there will be ample local consultation. I emphasise once more that this is a long-term proposition.

Mr. Gower

How can a project for a large airport of this kind in South Monmouthshire easily be reconciled with the considerable expansion now projected for the Glamorgan airport at Rhoose?

Mrs. White

I must reiterate that this is a long-term matter. I do not think that this will detract from the use of the airport at Rhoose, which is being expanded at present, as the hon. Gentleman knows.