HC Deb 03 July 1979 vol 969 c541W
Mr. Onslow

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what improvements have been made, within the last 12 months, in general aviation facilities at airports serving to London areas; and what plans there are for some further improvements within the next two years.

Mr. Tebbit

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 29 June 1979], gave the following answer:

During the last 12 months access to the general aviation apron at Heathrow has been improved; maintenance facilities have been provided at Stansted; better Customs facilities and lower tariffs for light aircraft have been introduced at Southend; and a hard surface runway has been laid at Fairoaks. At Luton extensive improvements are under consideration; and at Leavesden there are plans for resurfacing the runway and modernising navigational aids.

Although construction work has led to temporary difficulties at Gatwick improvements are planned for the future. Plans continue to be developed for improvements at Biggin Hill.