HL Deb 08 June 1971 vol 320 c4

2.50 p.m.

VISCOUNT MERSEY

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, now that a decision on the Third London Airport has been taken, they will make a statement on the future of Gatwick Airport; and in particular whether they can confirm that there is now no question of building a second runway.]

THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORT-FOLIO (LORD DRUMALBYN)

My Lords, the Government expect that the opening of the Third London Airport by 1980 will make it unnecessary to provide additional runways at the other London Airports, including Gatwick. Gatwick will need to be fully used on a one-runway basis until then, but after 1980 some restrictions may be possible.

VISCOUNT MERSEY

My Lords, I am very much obliged for the Answer which we have had, because it will give great relief to thousands of people in Surrey and Sussex. May I ask the noble Lord when we may expect the report from the inspector who has recently been conducting the inquiry at Gatwick about the existing runway and extensions to the existing runway? We have been waiting for that report for several weeks.

LORD DRUMALBYN

My Lords, I am afraid I cannot give an exact date to my noble friend but, as he says, the report is now awaited.