Mr. T. MORRISasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any additional aerodromes sanctioned by his Department have taken over land which previously had been used for agricultural purposes; what is the acreage of such land taken over; and what consideration is given to the interests of food production when approval is sought for these aerodromes?
§ Sir P. SASSOONSome 20,000 acres of land which were being used for agricultural purposes have been acquired for additional aerodromes under the Royal Air Force expansion scheme. The siting of such aerodromes is necessarily determined by strategic and other considerations and the actual choice is still further limited by factors governing suitability for flying purposes, but the interests of food production are always considered and land which is of special value for such purposes is avoided so far as practicable.