HC Deb 18 December 1972 vol 848 cc910-1
26 Mr. Gower

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for the future ownership and administration of the Glamorgan, Rhoose, airport; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Thomas

As I have previously told the House, at this stage this must be primarily a matter for discussion between the local authorities concerned, but I would welcome their views.

Mr. Gower

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that whatever local authority or consortium of local authorities may own this expanding airport in future, the initial capital expenditure involved in its enlargement must constitute a considerable financial burden? As since the end of the last war Wales has had only a puny amount of expenditure on civil aviation compared with other parts of the United Kingdom, will my right hon. and learned Friend consider what extra help he can give to the maintenance and expansion of Rhoose airport?

Mr. Thomas

Yes, certainly, this matter is being considered at the moment.