§ 36. Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will initiate a review of the estimated growth of passenger and cargo by air to and from the United Kingdom during the 1970s, and the change in airport facilities required to accommodate this growth; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuForecasts of air traffic to and from major airports in the United Kingdom are reviewed from time to time. As my right hon. Friend informed the House on 22nd February, the siting of the third London airport is to be the subject of an inquiry. Most airports elsewhere can cater already for a substantial increase in traffic and I am confident that owners will continue to provide adequate capacity.—[Vol. 759, c. 667–74.]
§ Mr. Maxwell-HyslopI am grateful for that reply as far as it goes. Does the hon. Gentleman adhere to the 15 per cent. general assumption in the increase in passenger traffic, and what percentage increase is the hon. Gentleman working on for air cargo taken overall trans. atlantic?
§ Mr. MallalieuThe forecast given in the White Paper over the next 10 years was, I think, from 7 per cent. to 12 per cent. per annum. That included both passengers and cargo. I do not think that any distinction was made between them.
§ Mr. Robert HowarthThere is now considerable concern about the delay in announcing the details of the Stansted Inquiry. How soon does my hon. Friend expect to be able to make that announcement?
§ Mr. MallalieuThere really is a Question on the Order Paper about that one.