§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what studies he proposes to commission for improving the movement of passengers and baggage through Heathrow airport in the short and medium terms; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineThe need to increase the speed of transit through airports has long been recognised both internationally and by the several interests at individual airports; and substantial improvements have been achieved. The additional checks and procedures now unfortunately necessary for reasons of aviation security together with the growth of traffic through a congested site have, however, intensified the problem at Heathrow, and, at the suggestion of the chairman of the BAA, and with the ready support of the chairmen of the air corporations, I have commissioned the Metra Consulting Group to study the problem with a view to making recommendations aimed at alleviating congestion through the 1970s and avoiding unnecessary delays and other sources of irritation to passengers.