asked the Minister of Aviation if he will make a statement about the future of Bournemouth, Hurn, Airport and the stage now reached in the course of negotiations with the local authorities.

It remains the policy of the Government that Hurn Airport should be transferred to local ownership and management. Discussions have already been held between the Ministry of Aviation and officials of the local authorities concerned. I hope that these will be resumed later this month.

Is this proceeding according to plan or is there undue delay? Can my hon. Friend confirm that the local authorities jointly are very anxious to take over the running of the airport?

The latter part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question should be addressed to the local authorities concerned. The first part depends on what sort of plan we are proceeding with. We are hopeful that these negotiations will come to a happy conclusion. I would rather not say more at this stage.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider getting together all the local planning authorities in southern Hampshire so that they might consider which of the various little airports might be made the one little airport for southern Hampshire?

We will consider that very helpful suggestion.