HC Deb 23 February 1987 vol 111 c10
11. Mr. Aspinwall

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what facilities exist for business aviation in the south-east area, particularly around London.

Mr. Spicer

I have recently made visits to seven specialist business aviation airfields in the London area and am confident that the available facilities are well placed to compete in serving a thriving business aviation industry.

Mr. Aspinwall

Is the Minister satisfied that customs and immigration facilities are adequate at business aviation airfields?

Mr. Spicer

These matters are primarily for my right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Home Secretary. I can confirm that the industry has a unique business user concession providing on-call customs and immigration cover at about 40 small airfields throughout the United Kingdom. These are for United Kingdom and EEC nationals travelling for business purposes. The scheme is under continuous review and improvement, and a further enhancement should be made shortly.

Mr. Soames

Is my hon. Friend aware that that is perhaps an unhappy answer to a situation that he knows very well is extremely unsatisfactory? Is he aware that no really satisfactory customs and excise facilities exist at Gatwick airport for business aircraft arriving and leaving? Will he take what steps he can to urge his right hon. Friends to ensure that this important service is not neglected?

Mr. Spicer

I know that the industry would like to have. 24-hour cover at all airports for business purposes, but that would be extremely expensive. I shall, of course, make sure that my right hon. Friends hear what my hon. Friend has said, but I cannot make any promises.