HC Deb 04 November 1919 vol 120 cc1331-2W
Major LANE-FOX

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry how many machines have gone up from the aerodromes at Sherburn-in-Elmet and at Tadcaster during the past three months; how the cost of these aerodromes has been justified; by what date it is expected that they will be closed; and whether they will be demolished or sold?

Major-General SEELY

I am obtaining the information asked for in the first part of this question. In regard to the second part, as I informed my hon. and gallant Friend on the 30th October, both these aerodromes are being used for the storage of standard-type machines and for civil aviation, Other accommodation is not at present available for the storage of these valuable machines, which would deteriorate if not constantly attended to. Tad-caster is also the station of a headquarters unit. In regard to the third part, instructions have been given to close down both stations when cleared of stores. Sherburnin-Elmet will, it is expected, be cleared by the 31st March next and Tadcaster by the end of this year. In regard to the fourth part, when evacuated by the Royal Air Force both stations will be handed over to the Disposal Board for sale.