asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation why, in view of the scarcity of suitable airfields within easy distance of London, the closing down of Heston airport is now being considered.

Heston is within miles of the London Airport and lies within the flying circuit of the latter. It will rot, therefore, be practicable, with safety, to use Heston for regular flying in the future. My noble Friend proposes, therefore, to make Heston and the State-owned land adjoining it available for other purposes. This will, to some extent, off-set the acquisition of land for the development of the London Airport.