HC Deb 27 June 1978 vol 952 cc481-2W
Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what consultations he will have before making a decision on a proposal for the reuse of Fairford airfield;

(2) what estimate he has made of the pollution effects which would arise from the reopening of Fairford airfield for use by United States KC135 aircraft.

Mr. Guy Barnett

No proposal has yet been made by Ministry of Defence to use RAF Fairford or any other airfield as a new base for KC135 tankers. Any consultation necessary as a result of such a proposal would in the first instance be a matter for the Secretary of State for Defence, as would any estimate of associated pollution.

Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what planning regulations must be satisfied before Fairford airfield can be reopened for use by KC135 aircraft.

Mr. Guy Barnett

It is for the Ministry of Defence to decide in the first place whether it is required to consult local planning authorities about development proposals under DOE Circular 7/77.