HC Deb 21 October 2002 vol 391 cc15-6W
Martin Linton

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of rail links between Waterloo and Heathrow Airport; and what support the Government plans to make available to private companies to use(a) existing tracks and (b) new tracks in order to connect Waterloo and Clapham Junction to Heathrow Airport. [75202]

Mr. Jamieson

The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom (South East) consultation is seeking views on a range of options, one of which is for an additional short runway at Heathrow. The main consultation document indicates in paragraphs 7.10 to 7.15 the type and scale of rail infrastructure that would be needed to connect the Heathrow airport option to the wider rail network. The analysis has not attempted to identify the precise location and design of these connections. However, our intention is for the aviation White Paper to contain proposals for improved surface access to Heathrow whether or not a further runway is provided. The level of financial support the Government might make available depends on: the likely net benefit to non-airport rail users; negotiations to maximise funding from aviation; and, the extent to which any public sector contribution would divert funding from other SRA priorities.

Martin Linton

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had on Heathrow Airport rail links with(a) the Strategic Rail Authority and (b) interest groups. [75203]

Mr. Jamieson

I, and other departmental Ministers, meet the Strategic Rail Authority on a regular basis; as part of wider industry meetings and specifically to discuss the Authority's work—which includes rail access to airports. We are currently undertaking a wide-ranging consultation on aviation issues that will include discussion about airport rail links with a variety of groups including local authorities.