HC Deb 05 May 1955 vol 540 cc173-4W
Dr. Bennett

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will make a statement about the proposed airways terminal for London.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

By agreement between my predecessor and the Leader of the London County Council, a committee was formed last year to make recommendations as to the site for a central Airways Terminal in London for use by all airlines. The Committee, under the chairmanship of the Chief Engineer of the London County Council was composed of representatives of the London County Council, British Airline operators and my Ministry.

The Committee, after considering a number of sites and projects, some of which were brought to its attention by private interests, unanimously recommended that the best site for the Airways Terminal was an open triangular site on the Cromwell Road near to Gloucester Road Station formed by the convergence of the District and Inner Circle Railways. I have accepted the Committee's recommendation, and the London Transport Executive has agreed to lease the site for this purpose.

It is proposed to construct a deck over the railway lines upon which the terminal building and coach station will be erected. The design of the decking will be done by the London Transport Executive. I take this opportunity of expressing my gratitude to the London County Council and London Transport Executive for their co-operation in this matter. The project will be financed and developed by the airlines themselves.

The London County Council, as planning authority, would regard such a use of the site as acceptable but there will later be a formal application for planning consent when detailed proposals have been formulated.