HC Deb 27 June 1977 vol 934 cc6-7W
Mr. Tierney

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what consideration his Department is giving to the scheme drawn up by the city planners to extend the main runway of Birmingham Airport across the A45 Coventry road, as a possible future development at the airport.

Mr. Clinton Davis

The possible further development of Birmingham Airport was considered in Part 2 of the consultation document "Airport Strategy for Great Britain", but no proposal for an extension to the main runway at the airport has been submitted to my Department.

Mr. Tierney

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if the designs for new terminal facilities, aprons and taxiways for Birmingham Airport drawn up by the West Midlands County Council and the British Airports Authority are now completed.

Mr. Clinton Davis

I understand that studies for a new passenger terminal and related facilities at Birmingham Airport have been undertaken by the West Midlands County Council and by the British Airports Authority at the county council's request. No proposals have been submitted to my Department.

Mr. Tierney

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will give the estimated number of passengers for which the designs for new terminal facilities at Birmingham Airport will provide.

Mr. Clinton Davis

I understand that the studies for a new terminal at Birmingham Airport are related to a capacity of about 3 million passengers a year, but no proposals have been put to my Department.

Mr. Tierney

asked the Secretary of State for Trade when he expects to announce his regional airport strategy plans.

Mr. Clinton Davis

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Wainwright) on 21st June.

Mr. Tiemey

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what discussions have taken place between his Department and the West Midlands County Council about the future ownership and control of the Birmingham Airport.

Mr. Clinton Davis

The acquisition of further airports by the British Airports Authority was considered in Part 2 of the consultation document "Airport Strategy for Great Britain", but there have been no discussions between my Department and the West Midlands County Council about the future ownership of Birmingham Airport.