HC Deb 30 June 1967 vol 749 cc151-2W
Sir J. Eden

asked the President of the Board of Trade what facilities are available at Hurn Airport after 5 p.m.; for what purposes these facilities are maintained; and under what circumstances they are available to owners of private and chartered aircraft.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

At the request of the British Aircraft Corporation air traffic control facilities are provided up to 7 p.m. each week day for the purpose of flight testing of the Corporation's aircraft. This is possible because the staff concerned are already required to be in attendance for the purpose of controlling traffic within the Bournemouth control zone. This does not apply to the other categories of staff required for public transport movements but short extensions of hours are granted wherever this is practicable within the limits of a single watch. Private aircraft do not, normally, require any special facilities and are permitted to use Hurn, like other Board of Trade aerodromes, at any time under the conditions of Chapter 5, Facilitation Section of the Air Pilot.

Sir J. Eden

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the future of Hurn Airport.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

Negotiations for the purchase of the airport by the County Councils of Hampshire and Dorset and the County Borough Council of Bournemouth are continuing in furtherance of the policy of local ownership and management of airports.