§ Mr. Thurnhamasked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to the estimated returns on capital for the additional investments planned for (a) Manchester airport and (b) Stansted.
§ Mr. RidleyManchester international airport is owned by Greater Manchester council and Manchester City council. They would supply, in confidence, estimates of the rates of return they would expect to achieve on a proposed investment if they sought a capital expenditure allocation from me in respect of it. If planning consent is given to the British Airports Authority's proposals to develop Stansted, the authority would then submit detailed proposals to me for my approval of the expenditure. These proposals would include an estimate of the rate of return. It is Government policy that demand should be met as far as possible where it arises, provided that it is economic to do so.