§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what recent discussions the Minister of Transport has had with BAA regarding its policy for London's airports; and if he will make a statement; [25521]
(2) how often the Minister of Transport has had talks with BAA since 2 May. [25522]
§ Dr. StrangI have had three meetings with BAA since 2 May 1997. None of the meetings was arranged specifically to discuss London airports. Discussions covered a range of issues.
The Government are carrying out a fundamental review of transport policy leading to the publication of a White Paper later this year. Our aim in the White Paper is to establish the overall framework of an integrated transport policy within which policies relevant to specific modes, including aviation, can be developed. We believe that UK aviation and airports have an essential role to play within a fully integrated transport system.