§ 12. Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received regarding the operation of the London City airport.
§ Mr. ChannonNone, Sir.
§ Mr. TaylorThe Minister has answered earlier questions about the increased congestion of the skies over London and the dangers associated with that, which were certainly not promised when the City airport was being praised by the Government. Furthermore, regional links that were promised, such as the link to Newquay and the now abandoned Plymouth link, have not been given their proper value. Does the Minister agree that not only does the City airport appear to have failed to fulfil its promises, but that efforts should now be turned to promoting regional airports in the different areas of this country?
§ Mr. ChannonI cannot imagine why the hon. Gentleman should want to knock the London City airport. I am in favour of developing both regional airports and the London City airport. As I understand it from the operator of the line, the reason why the service to Plymouth is not in operation is that it has not been a commercial success. A great many other services can be operated from London City airport. It is a safe airport and I hope that it will flourish.
§ Mr. WilkinsonWill my right hon. Friend advise the House of the planning situation with regard to the operation of the only jet aeroplane which, to my knowledge, is capable of operating from the STOLport in Docklands, namely, the BAe 146? If those inhibitions were removed, would not the commercial potential of this fine airport be very much greater?
§ Mr. ChannonI had better not comment on that, because such an application would possibly come to me for approval. Any suggestion of a change to allow jet aeroplanes to fly from the airport would require a variation of the existing planning approval.