Oral Answers to Questions — London Airport (Stopped Housing Works)

– in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 23 Ionawr 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Philip Piratin Mr Philip Piratin , Stepney Mile End 12:00, 23 Ionawr 1947

asked the Prime Minister which Government Department, or other authority, is primarily responsible for the mistake as a result of which the construction of houses and roads in the Yiewsley and West Drayton Urban District area, adjacent to the Heathrow Airport, has had to be stopped and work demolished; and on which authority or Department will the expenditure so far involved fall.

Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse

The Government's decision to extend the London Airport was taken in January, 1946. After considering the effect of the revised layout of the airport upon surrounding development, the Ministry of Civil Aviation found in February that an alteration in the line hitherto accepted for the diversion of the Bath Road would be necessary and proceeded to discuss the new line with the Ministry of Transport. The final line was agreed on 4th October, 1946.

By a mistake, which I regret, the Ministry of Civil Aviation did not inform Departments concerned of the re-alignment until 22nd November; and the actual construction of houses had begun on 1st November. In consequence, a small amount of building work will have to be demolished. Any compensation to be paid will come from Government funds. Some abortive expenditure on this hous- ing scheme was inevitable since the scheme itself was approved in 1944 and site development began in December, 1945.

Photo of Colonel Sir Alan Gomme-Duncan Colonel Sir Alan Gomme-Duncan , Perth

Would the Prime Minister say whether any action has been taken against the person in the Ministry who made this gross mistake?

Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse

No, Sir. It is not a matter for disciplinary action. Attention has been called to the matter.

Photo of Mr John Hare Mr John Hare , Woodbridge

Could the Prime Minister state what the total cost of the mistake amounted to, and how many houses had been started, upon which work had to cease?