§ 40. Mr. George Jegerasked the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given to the redundancy of Lindholme Royal Air Force Station and its conversion to a civil airport for south Yorkshire.
§ Mr. HattersleyR.A.F. Station Lindholme is not surplus to requirements and, although the station's long-term rôle has not yet been decided, there is at present no ground for the assumption that it will become redundant. The question of its conversion to a civil airport does not, therefore, arise, but civil use of the airfield by prior permission of the Commanding Officer is permitted.
§ Mr. JegerWould my hon. Friend bear in mind that Finningley air station is very near to Lindholme and could take over many of the duties now carried out 420 there? Will he also bear in mind that the West Riding County Council is anxious to establish a civil airport very near there and that Lindholme would be admirable for that purpose?
§ Mr. HattersleyIn general, the establishment of a civilian airport is a question not for me but for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. As my hon. Friend knows, Finningley in any case remains an airfield needed for service use, and therefore I do not think that we can offer him or my right hon. Friend any help there.