HC Deb 16 October 2002 vol 390 c433 10.25 pm
Bob Spink (Castle Point)

The Government's airport review sets out one option for a new hub airport at Cliffe, just 2,000 yards from my constituency boundary. It would cause unspeakable environmental damage and noise, air and light pollution. Therefore, Councillor Mark Howard of Canvey Island, Mr. Tony Thomas of Hadleigh and Mr. Adrian Roper of Benfleet, all of whose communities would be damaged by the proposal, have helped to compile a petition of about 10,000 signatures in the following terms: To the honourable Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled. The Humble Petition of concerned residents of South East Essex and surrounding areas sheweth that the Government's proposed Cliffe Airport option appears from the very scant details so far revealed by the Government to offer far more disadvantages than advantages to South East Essex and the Government has totally failed to consult the people of S. E. Essex on the question. Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your honourable House will urge the Government to rescind its Cliffe airport option and undertake substantial, informed and open consultation in S. E. Essex. And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.

To lie upon the Table.