§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received regarding the adverse effects of capital expenditure controls on the development of Manchester airport; if he is satisfied that the proposed restrictions will not have severe and adverse effects on industrial development in the North-West; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TebbitI received representations from the Greater Manchester council in January and April this year regarding the implications of the proposed capital expenditure controls for the development of Manchester airport and have discussed the issue with representatives of all the 315W regional airports. Officials from my Department and the Treasury also visited the airport on 19 August to discuss these matters and have been in close contact since that date.
The Government have recognised the special needs of regional airports by agreeing to make direct capital expenditure allocations for specific airport projects of national or regional importance. I am satisfied that the arrangements we have made will enable major developments at airports like Manchester to be implemented and will not have adverse effects on the industrial development of the North-West.