§ Mr. Tim Rentonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he is giving to the revisions of the draft strategic plan for the South-East in the light of the proposals to increase capacity at Gatwick Airport from 6 million to 25 million passengers a year.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettAny proposal by the British Airport Authority to develop terminal capacity at Gatwick to cater for 25 million passengers a year would be examined under the appropriate planning procedures, and the effect of such a proposal on the surrounding area would be taken into account then. The strategy for the South-East will allow for the possibility of airport expansion in this growth area but cannot anticipate any specific decisions.