§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what discussions he has had with the Thames Estuary Airport Company regarding their proposals for a new airport; [91356]
(2) whether (a) he and (b) his departmental officials have had discussions regarding a proposal for a new airport situated in the Thames estuary on a site northeast of the Isle of Sheppey; [91349]
(3) if he will set out the timetable for public consultation on UK air transport. [91693]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe only contact between my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport and the Thames Estuary Airport Company Limited (TEACO) has been to receive their written response to "The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom (South East)". This included proposals for a new airport on an artificial island in the Thames Estuary. Officials518W have had a number of telephone conversations with representatives of TEACO, both before and after submission of their written response.
The consultation period, throughout the UK, has been extended until we have consulted on Gatwick runway options. The consultation period will run for four months after the date of publication of the new material. Those who have already responded to the consultation will be able to amend, add to, or replace their response having considered the new material, if they wish to do so.