HC Deb 02 November 1949 vol 469 cc50-1W
73. Mr. Beswick

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what amount of money has been spent to date on the London Airport; and what is the estimated total amount required for the completion of present plans.

Mr. Lindgren

From early 1946, when the London Airport was taken over from the Air Ministry, to its completion as a dual runway airport with terminal buildings, maintenance services, hangars and workshops so far planned, the capital cost of works services has been provisionally estimated at £26 million. This does not include money previously spent by the Air Ministry on the cost of purchase of land, diversion of roads or the reprovision of houses. By the end of September, 1949, approximately £10.5 million had been spent on works, including £2.75 million by the Air Ministry during the war. In addition land has been purchased to the value of £455,000. Later as traffic develops a further system of runways will be required but it is much too early yet to hazard a forecast of the expenditure which this would involve.

74. Mr. Beswick

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many houses have been demolished to date in the development of London Airport; and what is the total number which it is estimated will be demolished before the completion of present plans.

Mr. Lindgren

One hundred and sixteen, while it is estimated that a further 110 will have to be demolished south of the Bath Road.

75. Mr. Beswick

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what is the present average of hourly and daily aircraft movements at London Airport; the present maximum capacity; and the number of aircraft movements with which it is estimated the airport will have to deal by 1953.

Mr. Lindgren

During the 12 months ended July last the daily number of movements at London Airport averaged 89. The number of movements per hour varies widely according to the time of day and season of the year. The capacity of the airport varies according to weather conditions. It is not possible to forecast with accuracy the future movements, but there are indications that the number of movements may be doubled by 1953.