HC Deb 03 December 1979 vol 975 cc33-4W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if Her Majesty's Government are a party to the agreement entered into between the local authority concerned, and the British Airports Authority, concerning a second runway at Gatwick; and what is the nature of the agreement.

Mr. Tebbit

The main effect of the agreement is that the British Airports Authority has undertaken not to build a second main runway at Gatwick airport within the next 40 years and that West Sussex county council has granted planning permission for an emergency runway which is to be used only when the main one is not operational. The Government are not a party to the agreement.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what would be the current cost of building a second runway at Gatwick airport.

Mr. Tebbit

No precise estimates are available, but the acquisition of the land

Mr. Tebbit

The Government will take account of the views expressed by interested parties in reaching their conclusions. Any proposal for airport development will be subject to statutory procedures before a formal decision is taken.