HL Deb 17 November 1965 vol 270 cc563-4

2.46 p.m.

THE LORD BISHOP OF ST. ALBANS

My Lords, I beg leave 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 have considered the future of the Church College of Education at Hockerill (Herts.) which is situated less than three miles from the proposed runway of Stansted Airport; and whether, before deciding upon any development of this Airport, they will bear in mind the needs of the College of Education at Hockerill, which in accordance with Government educational policy, is in process of trebling its numbers, and of any other educational establishment in the immediate neighbourhood which would be affected by noise from the Airport.]

THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE FOR THE ROYAL AIR FORCE (LORD SHACKLETON)

My Lords, a public inquiry into the proposal that Stansted should be developed as London's third major international airport will open on December 6 in Chelmsford. The primary purpose of this inquiry is to hear objections to the proposal, and evidence as to its effects on local interests; it will therefore be open to the ecclesiastical authorities to make their views known on matters such as that raised in this Question. A final Government decision on the proposed development of Stansted will be taken only in the light of the outcome of the public inquiry, and we shall certainly seek to take into account all relevant factors in reaching that decision.

THE LORD BISHOP OF ST. ALBANS

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Shackleton, for his reply. I wonder whether he has consulted the Department of Education and Science about the particular problem of this school, or if any further information must wait until the inquiry has been held?

LORD SHACKLETON

The Department of Education and Science is of course very well aware of this college and the part it has played in increasing its numbers, but I think it would be right for the Church authorities themselves to make representations at the inquiry if they wish. It is open to them to do so. Although the closing date for those wishing to make representations was November 5, I am sure that no obstacle would be put in the way of the ecclesiastical authorities if they want to make representations.

LORD MERRIVALE

My Lords, would the noble Lord say what proposals the Government have with regard to improving the transport facilities between the centre of London and Stansted, which at the moment is most inaccessible as a third airport to serve the London area?

LORD SHACKLETON

My Lords, that does not arise out of this Question.