Mr. John Mark Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to prevent West Midlands county council from stripping Birmingham airport of its financial reserves immediately prior to abolition.
§ Mr. Gerald Howarthasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps his Department is taking to allow Birmingham international airport to retain its reserves intact on abolition of the West Midlands county council; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TraceyMy right hon. Friend will make a full statement shortly on the treatment of balances after abolition. He intends to accept the case which has been put to him for allowing Birmingham international airport to retain its reserves. I trust that in the circumstances West Midlands county council will not wish to spend the reserves before abolition.