HL Deb 04 August 1971 vol 323 cc1150-1

2.42 p.m.

THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

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 when they expect to complete their study of the concept of a deep-water port with associated industry in relation to the reclamation of Maplin Sands for the Third London Airport.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (LORD SANDFORD)

My Lords, we hope to complete this study during the autumn.

THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

My Lords, in thanking my noble friend for that reply, may I ask him whether the Cabinet Committee studying this matter will heed the Prime Minister's injunction that major investment decisions should be taken now to equip this country for entry into the Common Market in 1973? And can my noble friend assure us that the Cabinet Committee on this matter will not be deflected by the siren voices of those who suggest that the first MIDA should be on the West Coast of Britain instead of the East, when private enterprise has come forward with a suggestion for the Thames Estuary very much of the kind which the Government said they wanted?

LORD SANDFORD

My Lords, I think my noble friend will recall my Answer to him on May 20, when I reminded him that it has long been the practice not to disclose the details of the arrangements within the Government for the discussion of public business. Therefore, I cannot give him the assurance for which he asks.

LORD LEATHERLAND

My Lords, would the noble Lord please bear in mind that while the planning authority for that part of the country is in favour of an airport plus a minor seaport, it is not in favour of a major seaport which would overcrowd that particular peninsula?

LORD SANDFORD

Yes, my Lords.