§ 51. Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what action he proposes to take on the proposals of Liverpool City Council to enlarge the terminal buildings and extend the runway at Speke airport;
(2) if he will order a planning inquiry into the proposal of Liverpool City Council to extend the runway at Speke Airport.
§ Mr. SpeedLiverpool City Council was granted outline planning permission to enlarge the terminal buildings at Speke in 1967. This enables the council to proceed without further reference to my right hon. and learned Friend except in so far as it may need additional borrowing powers. On present evidence the council's proposal to extend the runway appears to be a matter which it would need to refer to my right hon. and learned Friend and he would certainly require a public inquiry to be held before reaching a decision.