Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 21 November 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 November 2007. It was answered by Jim Fitzpatrick (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 November 2007 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Aviation: Lee on Solent, Daedalus Airfield

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps taken by the management of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency led to the denial of access to Lee on Solent Aerodrome to the local community and general aviation; and if she will make a statement;

Answer: The airfield at Daedalus is leased to and operated by the Hampshire Police Authority, which is, as operator, responsible for its safety. As a user of the airfield, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has had regular discussions with Hampshire Police.Solicitors acting for the Lee Flying Association recently wrote to a number of parties, including the MCA, threatening to bring judicial review proceedings in respect of the recent decision of, I understand, the Hampshire Police Authority to close the airfield to general aviation due to safety concerns. The Hampshire Police have now suspended that decision for 28 days.The Government are currently considering the situation and in the circumstances, it would be inappropriate and premature for me to say any more at this stage.

Secondary information