HC Deb 04 May 1967 vol 746 cc726-7
34. Mr. Rose

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will make a statement on the current discussions between the North-West Planning Council and airlines with regard to the expansion of Manchester Airport's direct overseas passenger services and transatlantic freight flights as part of the Government's regional policies.

Mr. Shore

The chairmen of the North-West, Northern and Yorkshire and Humberside Planning Councils are arranging to meet with the airlines to discuss the provision of further services to assist in the economic development of the North. We welcome these discussions, but it is too early to say what will result from them.

Mr. Rose

Would it not be in accordance with the Minister's regional policies and plans for regional development if air transport were channelled to Manchester, because of the already overburdened airport of London, and will he agree that Manchester, with its industrial hinterland, is particularly suitable for transatlantic freight flights?

Mr. Shore

The extent to which this is so is a matter which requires detailed study, and I have no doubt that the chairmen of the three councils principally concerned will be bringing together information relevant to that claim.

Sir A. V. Harvey

When will the extension of the runway at Manchester be completed? Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the large conurbation in that area needs more consideration and that Manchester can teach London a good deal in the operation of airports?

Mr. Shore

With respect, that is a question more appropriately put to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

Mr. Heffer

When this matter is being discussed, together with the future of freight transport, will my hon. Friend bear in mind that there is an extremely good airport at Liverpool which now has a new long runway capable of taking most of the larger aircraft?

Mr. Shore

This also is a matter which, I am sure, the chairmen of the planning councils concerned will bear in mind, discussing it and other possible airports in the review which is now taking place.