§ 3. Mr. Goughasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware that his predecessor made a statement in this House on 22nd July, 1953, that the cost of the first stage of Gatwick Airport would not exceed £6 million; and why it is now estimated to cost over £7 million.
§ Mr. WatkinsonWhat my predecessor actually said was that he thought that the cost would be about £6 million. This was a fair estimate some five years ago. Since then costs of labour and materials have risen substantially. Modifications have also been introduced in the interests of greater safety and efficiency and to provide more revenue earning accommodation. Site conditions proved more difficult than was expected and this factor was aggravated by the need to continue work in bad weather to ensure that the airport would be ready for this summer's services.