HC Deb 24 July 1978 vol 954 cc1138-9
14. Mr. Stanbrook

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement about the future use of Biggin Hill airfield in the light of the representations he has received following the publication of the White Paper on airport needs.

Mr. Clinton Davis

The views of local residents will be taken into account in discussions between my Department and Bromley borough council about the future role of Biggin Hill airport.

Mr. Stanbrook

Is the Minister aware that the proposal in the White Paper for Biggin Hill to be a general aviation centre has no support from any of the parties concerned except the British Airports Authority? Is he further aware that the airport is at present doing a very good job for the purposes of club flying and pilot training? Does he realise that the threat of the takeover is putting back genuine plans for local development at the airport, which is sorely needed and must be pursued in the public interest?

Mr. Davis

I am bound to say that there has been very little activity about modernising the facilities at Biggin Hill, and much needs to be done. As for lack of support, discussions are still continuing and it would be quite premature to judge at this stage whether the proposal which has been made will have support. There is opposition, but that was fairly predictable.

Mr. Sims

Is the Minister aware that the council of the London borough of Bromley has made it clear that it has no plans to relinquish either ownership or control of Biggin Hill airfield? Will he confirm, therefore, that there is no question of the council being overridden by either the British Airports Authority or his Department?

Mr. Davis

We have made it quite plain that there will be no imposition of British Airports Authority ownership. That is a matter for consultation. I hope that the consultations will proceed without a lot of the emotional talk which has been iterated by both hon. Gentlemen in questions today.