§ Mrs. Emmetasked the Minister of Aviation if he will now make a statement on his plans for the development of London, Gatwick, Airport.
§ Mr. AmeryIn the debate on London's airports on 28th May last year my predecessor emphasised the importance of Gatwick to London's increasing air traffic, for which Heathrow is already inadequate. He told the House that expenditure of some £4½ million was planned to improve London's second main airport.
Much of the work is already under way. The construction of a second pier and apron extension was slowed up by the severe winter but will be completed this 134W summer. The contract for extending the main building to more than double its present size with a third pier and ancillary buildings at a cost of about £2½ million was let last month. The contractor is now on the site. This work is due for completion by the summer of 1965.
Plans for an extension of the runway are under discussion with a view to the work starting this year and being completed at the end of next year. Another major improvement which is contemplated is the construction of a five-storey office block above the terminal building.
A decision about a second runway is not yet necessary but a site survey is being carried out in anticipation of the possibility.
I am arranging for a model showing the proposed developments to be available for inspection in the House.