§ 11. Sir Fergus Montgomeryasked the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the total level of investment in regional airports in the north of England since 1979.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. Michael Spicer)Since 1979, total capital investment at airports in the north of England has been more than £150 million. That compares with a total capital investment at all regional airports in England under the last Labour Administration of less than £16 million.
§ Sir Fergus MontgomeryThat is very good news, but will my hon. Friend give us more detail about the amount of money that has been allocated to Manchester international airport? Does he not agree that the strike there today, caused by the firemen, is likely to do a great deal of harm to the long-term future of the airport?
§ Mr. SpicerSince 1979 over £80 million has been spent on Manchester airport, and that investment has allowed passenger throughput to expand by 75 per cent. since 1979. In fact, it has grown by 25 per cent. in the last year alone. The House will have noted what my hon. Friend said about the firemen's strike, especially as the airport authority has offered to introduce the services of an independent technical assessor to help settle the dispute.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThe Minister has kindly agreed to meet the chairman of Manchester airport, together with the hon. Member for Manchester, Withington (Mr. Silvester) and myself, to discuss the Bermuda 2 negotiations as they concern Manchester. Is there any word that the Minister can say this afternoon about our interest in increasing flights between Manchester and the United States?
§ Mr. SpicerI am looking forward to meeting the right hon. Gentleman and discovering exactly the basis of his case. As Manchester is a gateway, it is open to foreign airlines to apply to come into Manchester. Perhaps we can discuss that matter in detail when we meet.
§ Mr. SackvilleDoes my hon. Friend agree that the growth of Manchester airport has been magnificent over the past few years, that the airport is vital to the 681 regeneration of employment and industry in the northwest and that the current strike is economic suicide for the region?
§ Mr. SpicerYes, I agree with my hon. Friend's comments.
§ Mr. Carter-JonesDoes the Minister accept that it would be a considerable help to Manchester and the regions if he was to have a word with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and order the A340 Airbus, to allow regions such as Manchester to provide aircraft for the long, narrow routes?
§ Mr. SpicerThe hon. Gentleman is quite right. This is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. No doubt my right hon. Friend will have noted what the hon. Gentleman has said.
§ Mr. FavellDoes my hon. Friend agree that the astonishing increase in passenger transport at Manchester airport shows that the north-west is not on its uppers as the Labour party would have us believe?
§ Mr. SpicerManchester airport's achievements have been remarkable. It is now one of the major airports, not only in this country, but in Europe.
§ Mr. DormandDoes the Minister realise that there are other airports in the northern region besides Manchester, and that the greatest needs are at Newcastle and Teesside?
§ Mr. D. N. Campbell-SavoursAnd Carlisle.
§ Mr. DormandAnd Carlisle, as my hon. Friend the Member for Workington (Mr. Campbell-Savours) said. If the Government are serious about narrowing the north-south divide, or eliminating it, will the Minister give priority to those three airports?
§ Mr. SpicerNewcastle airport, which is closest to the constituency of the hon. Member for Easington (Mr. Dormand), is very successful. Indeed, since 1981 it has received capital allocations of £13 million.