§ Sir N. Grattan-Doyleasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether there is consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and county councils before land is acquired by his Department for sites for aerodromes; and, if not, in what way the varying values of the sites for air and agricultural purposes of defence are arrived at?
§ Sir P. SassoonAs regards the first part of the question such consultation takes place in all cases where the circumstances demand it. As regards the second part I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer, of which I am sending him a copy, given on 17th November last to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Cardiff, East (Mr. Temple Morris).
§ Mr. Hardieasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has any information to give upon the inquiry into the Slough aerodrome scheme held recently; and in particular whether, in view of the letter written on 3rd October, 1935, by the managing director of the Heston airport to the Slough Council relative to the purchase of part of Parlaunt Park Farm, he has made further inquiries and intends to take any action?
§ Sir P. SassoonThe inquiry to which the hon. Member refers was a local inquiry recently held on behalf of the Secretary of State for Air under the provisions of the First Schedule to the Air Navigation Act, 1936, which deals with the procedure in regard to the acquisition of land for aerodrome purposes by local authorities. My Noble Friend has not yet received the report of the officer who held the inquiry and the hon. Member2098W will quite understand that it is impossible for me to comment in the meantime.