HC Deb 30 April 1971 vol 816 cc237-8W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, following the announcement of the siting of the third London airport, he will now formulate a national airports policy.

Mr. Anthony Grant

The Government statement on the site and timing of the third London airport set out its broad policy on the development and use of the major airports in the South-East and adjoining areas. These airports, taken together, cater and will inevitably con- tinue to cater for by far the greater part of the nation's traffic. Given this firm base it is our intention to continue studies aimed at establishing the desirable pattern of airport development in the rest of the country. This work will be extended and developed by the Civil Aviation Authority, which will have the function of advising aerodrome owners and others on the development of aerodromes to match air services.