§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will publish the outcome of the studies he has commissioned on the relocation of the sludge farm at Heathrow airport and on the viability of a rail link to Stansted airport.
§ Mr. RidleyThe study of the feasibility of releasing the Perry Oaks site to Heathrow airport has been commissioned by the British Airports Authority, in consultation with the Thames water authority, who own the site. British Rail are, in consultation with the owners and operators of the airports concerned, evaluating the options for providing rail services to Stansted and to Manchester airport. These studies are a matter for the authorities concerned. I will consider any investment proposals they wish to put forward as a result of these studies in accordance with the normal criteria, and will make my decisions known to Parliament.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the British Airports Authority to submit to his Department its investment strategy for the 164W development of Stansted airport for evaluation; and if this strategy will be published and made available to Parliament.
§ Mr. RidleyThe strategy for the development of Stansted airport is set out in the White Paper on "Airports Policy" (Cmnd. 9542) and in the decision letter, which was made available to Parliament, approving the British Airports Authority's application to develop the airport. I expect the BAA in the normal way to submit to me soon, for my financial approval, its proposals for the construction of the first phase of the development in accordance with this strategy and with the conditions attached to the planning permission. I will inform Parliament of and when any such proposals are approved.