HC Deb 20 June 1979 vol 968 c1310
17. Mr. Geoffrey Johnson Smith

asked the Minister of Transport what progress is being made to improve communications by road and rail between Gatwick airport and London; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

So far as the M23 is concerned, I set out the present position in my answer to my hon. Friend on 12 June. As for rail communications, the improvements already made and those under way should effect a considerable improvement.—[Vol. 986, c. 67.]

Mr. Johnson Smith

Is my hon. Friend aware that that reply is most unsatisfactory? Rail transport and improved rail access to Gatwick is one thing, but there is no possibility, as far as one is aware, of improvement by road. Does my hon. Friend accept that if there is to be further expansion of air travel at Gatwick it is important to have good road communications as well?

Mr. Clarke

I accept that the present rail situation is unsatisfactory, because extensive building works are still going on at Gatwick railway station, which will take some time to complete. The question of the longer-term growth of the airport is not a matter for my Department, but a working party is already examining the implications of any future expansion of the rail service from Gatwick, so that my hon. Friend's constituents will not be inconvenienced by the problems of moving rail passengers from Gatwick to London.

Mr. Rhodes James

Is my hon. Friend aware that road and rail communications between London and Stansted are absolutely terrible and should not be improved?