§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the latest developments in making RAF Finningley a joint military/civil airport.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe operation of joint military/civil airfields is not possible under United Kingdom aviation regulations. Civil aircraft may use military airfields subject to such flights being compatible with operational considerations. I understand that civil aircraft are already allowed to use RAF Finningley by prior permission, but the scope to accept additional civilian traffic is severely limited by the needs of military flying. Use of RAF airfields is a matter for the Secretary of State for Defence.