§ Lord Boyd-CarpenterMy Lords I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have considered CAP522 Air Traffic Distribution in the London Area—Advice to the Secretary of State, and what action they propose to take in the light of this to increase runway capacity in the London area.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (The Earl of Caithness)My Lords, my right honourable friend is currently considering the CAA's advice on air traffic distribution in the London area and will make an announcement in due course.
§ Lord Boyd-CarpenterMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that moderately encouraging reply. May I ask him whether his right honourable friend is aware of the urgency of the matter in view not only of the expert advice tendered by the Civil Aviation Authority but also of the anxieties expressed by the Heathrow Scheduling Committee? Is he aware, as I am sure he is, that if the situation which is likely to arise in the absence of action by the end of the century is not dealt with very quickly it will be too late?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, I can assure my noble friend Lord Boyd-Carpenter that my right honourable friend is fully aware of that. It was because we were so concerned about it that we moved an amendment to the Airports Bill at Report stage on 23rd June.
§ Baroness Burton of CoventryMy Lords, may I ask the Minister whether it is likely that the announce-ment will be made during the Summer Recess when neither House is sitting? If that is the case, as often occurs, shall we have a chance of discussing the matter when we come back? Lastly, does he realise that those of us who think very highly of the Civil Aviation Authority wonder how much support the Government will give to its views?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, I cannot tell the House at the moment when a decision will be taken on the document, because it is long and complicated, but we are considering it urgently. It is, I believe, a matter for the usual channels as to whether it is discussed or debated in any way.
§ Lord UnderhillMy Lords, is it not the case that the letter from the Secretary of State to the CAA which 874 invited this review and which was dated 31st July 1985, said that account had to be taken of the Government's general policy objective, which of course had a national dimension, and that there were complaints that the report confines itself solely to distribution in the London area? Does this not conflict with the amendment to the Airports Bill which the Government accepted that there should be consideration by the CAA in carrying out its functions of sound development of aviation throughout the United Kingdom?
The Earl of CaithnessNo, my Lords. On the last point, I do not believe there is a conflict between government policy and the Bill, which indeed reflects government policy. The noble Lord, Lord Underhill, is absolutely right: it was at the end of July 1985 that my right honourable friend the then Secretary of State invited the CAA to review the existing rules for traffic distribution between the London airports.
§ Viscount ThursoMy Lords, in view of the enormous importance of tourism to the Highlands, will the Minister be able to assure us that special consideration will be given to the need for the Highlands to maintain a connection with Heathrow, which is the terminus for trans-Atlantic as well as Air France flights?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, we have received much information about the importance of the Inverness-Heathrow flight, and that will be taken into account by my right honourable friend when he comes to make a decision on this matter.
§ Lord BeswickMy Lords, speaking as one who had some responsibility for drawing up proposals for a sensible London airport at Gatwick 35 years ago, I agree with the noble Earl that there is a matter of urgency confronting us. In connection with Gatwick, may I ask him whether any progress has been made in providing emergency landing facilities in the event of the one runway being closed?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, with respect, I believe that to be slightly wide of the Question on the Order Paper. But, if the noble Lord would like to put down a Question on that matter, I shall do my best to answer it.
§ Lord BeswickMy Lords, does the noble Earl mean to say that it is not in order to consider, in relation to traffic facilities, the provision of emergency facilities when a runway is closed?
§ Lord Jenkins of PutneyMy Lords, will the noble Earl's right honourable friend take into consideration the interests of the majority in considering this matter—and by "majority" I mean the people of London who are overflown by the aircraft landing at Heathrow and at other London airports? Will he consider the possibility of a redistribution so that aircraft might conceivably fly direct to Scotland instead of coming via Heathrow?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, I do not know whether the noble Lord knows, but aircraft do fly direct to Scotland at the moment. My right honourable friend will of course take into account any representations.
§ Lord WhaddonMy Lords, in considering air traffic distribution in the London area, will the noble Earl bear in mind that the vast majority of aircraft on the British register are in general aviation? Will he for once try to avoid yet further incursions into uncontrolled air space?