§ 45. Mr. Fletcherasked the Minister of Aviation why he has authorised the commencement of the works at London Airport in advance of the statutory approval which is being sought under the Esso Petroleum Company Bill now before this House.
§ Mr. RipponThe Bill now before the House relates to the sections of the pipeline outside the airport boundary. Part of the section within the airport is planned to cross a strip of land where we shall shortly construct the extended No. 5 runway and its taxiway. My right hon. Friend has therefore permitted the Esso Petroleum Company to lay this part of the pipeline before work starts on the runway and taxiway, but the Company has done so entirely at its own risk.