§ 96. Sir W. Darlingasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the estimated annual cost of operating Gatwick Airport, including capital charges and depreciation, when it is in full operation; and what revenue he is likely to obtain in fees for the use of the airport.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThere is no recognised basis for assessing capital charges and depreciation on airports. The first stage of developing Gatwick will cost £6 million. The estimated annual cost of the developed airport including all technical services but excluding capital charges is £350,000. The estimated annual revenue is £400,000.
In addition savings at aerodromes in the London area affected by the Gatwick project are estimated at a further £450,000 per annum. This of course takes no account of the capital value of Croydon Aerodrome which will accrue when that aerodrome is closed to civil flying.