HL Deb 18 April 1972 vol 330 cc3-4
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 whether they will now state their plans for developing the Third London Airport at Maplin with the aid of private enterprise.

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

My Lords, I can at present add nothing to the Statement made in another place by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.

THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether he can give us some indication, when we may expect more information, and in particular whether he is aware that some of the private enterprise consortia which have spent much time and money in gathering data which will be useful in developing the airport are afraid that their knowledge will not be put to good use?

LORD SANDFORD

My Lords, I cannot go further on this point, but, as my noble friend knows, there are five or six separate considerations in connection with the establishment of the Third London Airport. The latest consultative document to be issued is on the siting of the runways. However I have nothing to add on the point raised by my noble friend.

THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

My Lords, can my noble friend say whether the co-operation of private enterprise will be welcomed at some stage?

LORD SANDFORD

Yes, my Lords, there will certainly be a role for private enterprise at some later stage.

LORD LEATHERLAND

My Lords, can the noble Lord answer a simple question of principle; namely, whether the land is to be publicly or privately owned when it has been reclaimed?

LORD SANDFORD

My Lords, it will be publicly owned.