HC Deb 09 November 1998 vol 319 cc23-4W
Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to publish a policy document on airports. [58528]

Ms Glenda Jackson

In its White Paper "A New Deal for Transport", the Government saidWe will prepare a UK airports policy looking some 30 years ahead. This will develop the application to UK airports of the policies set out in this White Paper—of sustainable development, integration with surface transport and contribution to regional growth. It will provide the framework within which those concerned can plan for the future with greater certainty. We will consult widely in preparing the new policy and will take account of the Inspector's report on the Heathrow Terminal 5 inquiry.

The Government are currently considering the precise scope, and the timing, of the policy statement and will announce their conclusions in due course. They will also consider what steps might be taken to develop thinking and focus the debate on the way forward.