HC Deb 06 July 1979 vol 969 c749W
Mr. Geoffrey Johnson Smith

asked the Minister of Transport whether forecasts have been made of the investment required in road and rail transport to meet an expansion of Gatwick airport to a passenger handling capacity of 25 million per annum; and what is the estimated cost.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The implications for surface transport of the proposed expansion of Gatwick airport are at present being studied by the Government Departments and other interests concerned, including the British Airports Authority, British Rail and the highway and planning authorities. We expect these aspects to be considered at the public inquiry which is to be arranged following the calling-in of the planning applications made by the British Airports Authority, to which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment referred in his reply to a question from my hon. Friend, the Member for Dorking (Mr. Wickenden) on 5 July.