HC Deb 01 February 1973 vol 849 cc464-5W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what will be the preferred route from Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester, respectively, for traffic from these cities bound for Foulness.

Mr. Onslow

Passengers to and from these cities can be expected to travel increasingly from their local airports. If they wish to use Maplin they could reach the airport either by inter-airport flights or by roads on existing or planned routes or by rail via King's Cross and the planned high-speed link.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by what criteria of regional policy it has been decided to locate a major international airport in South-East England.

Mr. Onslow

Additional airport capacity is needed in South-East England by about 1980 to cater for the forecast demand in that area, and Maplin fits in with the approved Strategic Plan for the South-East designating South Essex as a major growth area.