HC Deb 16 June 1997 vol 296 cc42-3W
Mr. McDonnell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards the planning application for a Fifth Terminal at Heathrow Airport. [3670]

Ms Glenda Jackson

I confirm that the Government is adhering to a policy of strict neutrality in respect of the planning application by BAA plc for a Fifth Terminal at Heathrow. We are placed in a quasi-judicial position because the determination of the application will be the responsibility of the Secretary of State. The public inquiry into BAA's application is currently under way, and we will study the resultant Inspector's report carefully before reaching any decision on the issues that are being examined.