§ Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the total number of aerodromes for which he was responsible at the end of World War II have been sold or completely dismantled, how many have been sold for civil flying, how many are held by him and not in use or used for flying, and how many are fully operational; and if he will tabulate those aerodromes which, from time to time and by arrangement, are now made available to private aircraft and civil airlines, indicating the flying aids and facilities which are available to them.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThere were about 680 military airfields in the United Kingdom at the end of the war. The number now in flying use for the Services is 113, and a further 35 are held for other purposes. The remainder have been disposed of over the years; I cannot now say how many were sold for civil flying use. 49 R.A.F. airfields in the United Kingdom are available for use by civil aircraft, with the prior permission of the Station Commander. A list of these airfields, giving the facilities available at each, is published in the United Kingdom Air Pilot. I am sending a current copy of the relevant section to the hon. Member.