§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he has laid upon the British Airports Authority, in providing airport capacity, the duty to cater for demand; by what authority this duty is so laid; whether Her Majesty's Government will now instruct the British Airports Authority that catering for demand be made subservient to the perceived national interest; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TebbitThe functions of the British Airports Authority are contained in section 2 of the Airports Authority Act 1975. They include the duties to provide at its aerodromes such services and facilities as are necessary and to have regard to the development of air transport. I am not considering any change in these duties.