§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Trade what effects he expects the planned £400 million expansion of Stansted airport to have on the further development of Manchester international airport; if he or another Minister in his Department will meet the airport authority in Manchester to discuss its view of the effects of expanding Stansted; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EyreThe Government have fully demonstrated their commitment to the further development of Manchester international airport as the major international gateway airport outside the South-East of England by their recent approval of a substantial programme of capital investment at the airport. My Department already works closely with the airport authority on such matters and will continue to do so.
The proposed development of Stansted airport is designed to meet the forecast growth in demand for air transport in the London area. The implications of these proposals will be considered at the forthcoming public inquiry. It is therefore not necessary, nor would it be proper, for me to discuss the effects—if any—of the Stansted proposals with the Manchester airport authorities.