HL Deb 20 February 1967 vol 280 cc520-1
THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware of the growing concern felt over their lack of decision on a third London airport, and how soon they expect to announce this decision.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LORD KENNET)

My Lords, the Government are fully aware of the urgency of a decision on a third London Airport. A statement will be made as soon as possible.

THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that it has been estimated that unless a third London Airport can be in operation by the early 1970s, air traffic coming to this country may be forced to be turned away for lack of facilities?

LORD KENNET

Yes, my Lords, the Government are perfectly aware of what will happen if a third London Airport is not set up in good time; but the choice of where the airport should be placed is intensely complicated, and a wide spectrum of considerations have to be taken into account. The matter is being considered as fast as is compatible with the reasonable confidence that we are going to get the right answer.

LORD DERWENT

My Lords, the noble Lord is talking about setting up "in good time". Is it not a fact that the good time has almost gone?

LORD KENNET

No, my Lords the Government feel that the present two airports, and their accessories, can handle the traffic for a little longer.

THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, would the noble Lord confirm that if Stansted is not chosen for the third airport a further lengthy public inquiry will have to be held before a new site can be announced?

LORD KENNET

My Lords, I could neither confirm that, nor say that it would not be necessary?

LORD LEATHERLAND

My Lords, would my noble friend bear in mind that there is very strong feeling among many people in Essex against setting up the airport at. Stansted? Does he realise that it would be a mistake to hasten too rapidly and thereby rule out full consideration of alternative sites?

LORD CONESFORD

My Lords, is the noble Lord further aware that the view just expressed has a good deal of support in all quarters of this House?

LORD KENNET

My Lords, the inconvenience to the inhabitants of any part of the country from setting up a new airport is one of the factors which must be taken into account whatever site is chosen; and it is being taken into account at the moment.

LORD ERROLL OF HALE

My Lords, would it not now be much better to set up to a third international airport in the North of England, rather than make all those who live North of the Trent come to London?

LORD KENNET

My Lords, there are already in the northern part of the country airports which can handle international traffic. The possibility of not having a new international airport at all near London is also being examined, along with the others. But I think I should not be indiscreet if I said that it did not look a very good bet.

THE DUKE OF ATHOLL

My Lords, could the first London Airport be completed before the third is started?