HC Deb 18 January 1979 vol 960 c862W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the lead time required to build and commission a major airport on a green field site; and how the time compares with the expansion of facilities at a major London airport.

Mr. Clinton Davis:

The lead time for a new airport, which is one of the factors to be taken into account in the present evaluation of future airport options for the South-East, will vary depending upon the site or airport to be developed and the facilities and other infrastructure already available. At this stage in the work it is not possible to provide the comparison which the hon. Member is seeking.