§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Secretary of State for Air what air ports there are in the United Kingdom; what arrangements are being made for the establishment of others; and whether he will consider the suitability of the district of the Medway towns for the purpose?
§ Sir S. HOAREAs regards the first two parts of the question, if by "air ports" my hon. Friend means "Customs aerodromes," there are at present four such aerodromes, situated at Croydon, Lympne, Southampton and Dover. Sites for similar aerodromes at Harwich, Hull and Leith will probably be approved shortly, and, the approval of further sites for the Customs clearance of passenger traffic only at certain (probably the following) seaports is under consideration: Plymouth, Newhaven, London, Grimsby (or Immingham), Goole, Middlesbrough, Newcastle on-Tyne, Greenock, Belfast, Liverpool, Birkenhead, Swansea, Penarth and Avonmouth. If, however, my hon. Friend in "air ports" includes aerodromes generally, I would refer him to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Taunton (Lieut.-Colonel Gault) on 28th 41W November last, giving the number of such aerodromes. I need only add to that reply that a circular letter was sent by the Air Council in October last to all Municipal authorities urging them to consider the provision of civil aerodromes and the result of that appeal is shown in the reply to another question addressed to me by my hon. Friend today. In addition, the agreement proposed to be made with National Flying Services, Limited, will provide for the provision of 20 new aerodromes and 80 new landing grounds in this country within three years. As regards the last part of the question, the Medway district is not considered altogether suitable for a Customs aerodrome for marine aircraft, and the establishment of one for land aircraft there is hardly necessary in view of the existence of Croydon and Lympne.
§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Secretary of State for Air what local authorities have provided civil aviation grounds in their respective districts; and what local authorities are taking steps to do so?
§ Sir S. HOAREAs regards the first part of the question, the only site at present licensed to a local authority is that of part of the foreshore at South-port. As regards the second part, as a result of the circular letter sent by the Air Ministry to town clerks last October, a large number of municipal authorities are now taking an active interest in the establishment of aerodromes. In 31 cases suitable sites have already been inspected by the Air Ministry; in 14 cases sites have been selected and will be inspected; while in 16 more active consideration is being given to the matter.