§ 65. Mr. Cordleasked the President of the Board of Trade at what stage consultations take place with regional economic planning councils regarding the siting of new airports and changes to existing ones.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Douglas Jay)Few major aerodrome projects have been initiated since the economic planning councils were set up, but my policy in such cases is to consult the appropriate regional economic planning councils as fully and as early as possible. On the subject of aerodrome planning generally, my hon. Friend has already had one meeting with the councils' chairmen, and another will be arranged shortly.
§ Mr. CordleIf regional economic planning councils have any useful function at all, should they not be consulted at the first stage of proposals in connection with new and existing airports? Is it not fantastic that their views have not been obtained, and does it not make a mockery of so-called regional government?
§ Mr. OnslowIs the President of the Board of Trade now telling the House that he is absolutely satisfied with the part played by the regional economic council in connection with Stansted?
§ Mr. JayI am sure the hon. Gentleman knows that in that case there was a difficulty—[HON. MEMBERS: Oh"]— because of the pledge given by the previous Government, which the hon. Gentleman supported, following the rules laid down by the Council on Tribunals, about which I am sure he is very fully informed. That made it impossible in this case to hold the consultations we would have wished.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinIs the President of the Board of Trade aware that the biggest single objection to his deplorable proposal about Stansted is that it contravenes virtually every principle of regional economic planning, and will he undertake to consult the appropriate 1721 regional economic planning council at the earliest possible opportunity?