§ Mr. Stanbrookasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on the future of Biggin Hill airport and the possibility of its acquisition by the British Airports Authority in the light of 25W the White Paper on airports policy published in February 1978.
§ Mr. TebbitThe London borough of Bromley has recently announced its intention to develop the airport's facilities for business aviation within constraints designed to protect the local environment. It expects that the number of business flights would increase but the total number of aircraft movements would decline. This proposal is consistent with the recommendation of the White Paper on airports policy (Cmnd 7084) that Biggin Hill should be developed as a major business aviation airport for the London area.
The Government are concerned that there should be adequate provision for business aviation, for which there is a growing demand, particularly in the South-East of England. I therefore support Bromley's initiative and my Department is now discussing with the Bromley council how best it can help with the provision of advice and technical assistance to ensure that any development takes account of both operational and environmental requirements.
Ownership of the airport is a matter for the local authority and there are no current proposals for acquisition by the British Airports Authority.