§ 2.40 p.m.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware that an application has been made for a licence to permit night flying from a civil aerodrome at Kidlington, Oxfordshire; and whether, as this aerodrome is situated in a built-up area five miles from the centre of the City of Oxford, Her Majesty's Government will see that this encroachment upon the amenities of the people living in that area is prevented.]
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER (THE EARL OF SELKIRK)My Lords, Kidlington is a civil aerodrome, belonging to Oxford City Corporation and licensed by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation for use by commercial passenger-carrying aircraft. There is a condition in their licence prohibiting such use at night and the Minister has not so far received an application from the Corporation for the removal of this restriction. I am afraid that I am not in a position to forecast what the Minister's decision would be should such an application be made. I can say that the purpose of the licence and of this particular clause in it is merely to ensure the safety of passengers. Restriction of night flying in the interests of the people living in the area would be a matter for the Corporation of the City of Oxford.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Earl for his reply. Would he convey to his right honourable friend that he will have an application, if he has not already received it, and that this aerodrome is situated in a built-up area of 10,000 people, 1,000 houses having been erected in the last two years? Before his right honourable friend gives any permission for night flying, with the disturbance it will cause to these residents, all working-class people, will he hold a local inquiry into the matter?
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords, I think that the noble Lord's question is 1066 somewhat anticipatory. My right honourable friend has not yet received any application. I will certainly see that my right honourable friend will consider the noble Lord's points if he should receive an application. I do not think that I can carry the matter further at the moment.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, I understand the difficulty of the noble Earl. The application was going to be made and was withdrawn, but it will be renewed within the next two or three days. I do not know whether the Minister has power to appoint a local inquiry to hear the views and protests of the parish council concerned—perhaps the noble Earl would be good enough to tell me. Will he make certain that one of the conditions in the permission given to the City Corporation of Oxford is that there shall be no night flying over the City of Oxford and over the place where all these unfortunate people have built their houses? Has the Minister power under an Act of Parliament to hold a public inquiry?
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords, I think I must have notice of that question, but I am pretty certain that he has that power.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, I would ask the noble Earl to convey to his right honourable friend the local anxiety that he should hold an inquiry if there is need for him so to do.
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKI will certainly do so.