HC Deb 25 February 1970 vol 796 cc1173-4
3. Mr. Onslow

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to make a further order under Section 8 of the Civil Aviation Act, 1968; and if he will make a statement.

45. Mr. James Johnson

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he will publish a further order designating, under Section 8 of the Civil Aviation Act, 1968, additional aerodromes at which adequate facilities for consultation must be provided.

54. Mr. Fortescue

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he proposes to make further orders under Section 8 of the Civil Aviation Act, 1968.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

A second Order was made on 16th February and becomes effective today. I will place a copy of the Order in the Library of the House.

Mr. Onslow

Again I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman. Will he take this opportunity to comment on the fact that at the airports in respect of which the previous Order was made, on more than one occasion local residents' associations have been denied representation on these committees? Will he confirm that the spirit of the legislation requires that the widest possible opportunity should be offered for all interested local parties to have their say?

Mr. Roberts

I am glad to give that confirmation. As the hon. Gentleman knows, I am particularly concerned to ensure that these consultative arrangements work effectively, and are seen to be fair to everybody concerned. If the hon. Gentleman, or anybody else, gives me details of default in this matter, I shall look into them personally.

Mr. Fortescue

Does the fact that these Orders are being made mean that the Board of Trade has come any nearer to the preparation of a national airports plan, which is still badly needed?

Mr. Roberts

That is another question.