§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) why no capital allocation has been made to Teesside airport for 1981–82; and if he is prepared to reconsider his decision;
607W(2) what representations he has received from Teesside airport for capital allocation for 1981–82; and what his response has been.
§ Mr. EyreLocal authorities were invited to submit bids for special capital expenditure allocations for projects of national or regional importance to be financed in 1981–82. As no bid was received in respect of Teesside airport, no such allocation was made. Following my hon. Friend's announcement of 11 December, Teesside airport committee submitted a bid for six projects. After careful consideration, it was advised that three of the projects did not require an allocation as each one involved expenditure of less than £5,000 and that none of the remaining three appeared to meet the criteria for special allocations. However, provision has been made for routine capital expenditure at airports in local authorities' overall allocations, and the Teesside airport committee is not, therefore, precluded from undertaking the projects in question.