HL Deb 18 February 1987 vol 484 cc1089-90

2.37 p.m.

Lord Elliott of Morpeth

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

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what has been the total level of investment in regional airports in the North of England since 1979.

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, capital investment at airports in the North of England since 1979 has totalled more than £150 million.

Lord Elliott of Morpeth

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that Answer which indicates a greatly increased level of investment. Will my noble friend accept that investment at Newcastle has brought into being a splendid international airport which is of the greatest assistance to the region in this period of industrial change?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend. I confirm that since 1979 some £16 million has been spent on developing Newcastle airport, and that in 1986, passenger traffic at the airport was over 20 per cent. higher than it was in 1985.

Lord Underhill

My Lords, is the Minister aware that I share the appreciation expressed by the noble Lord, Lord Elliott, regarding the development of a capital nature which has taken place? Can the Government give an assurance that, under the new local authority airport company scheme, they will continue to look sympathetically at any requests for capital development which might be made?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, yes, I can confirm that.

Lord Winstanley

My Lords, what steps are being taken to enable regional airports, like Manchester airport at Ringway, to expand their activities and to arrange flights and services for which there is a demand? At the moment they are not permitted to do so.

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, they are being given every encouragement by the Government.