§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Transport when the second terminal at Gatwick will be opened: what are the reasons for the delay in opening this terminal; and what steps are being taken to cope with the traffic at Gatwick in summer, 1987, as a result of the delay in bringing terminal 2 into operation.
§ Mr. Michael Spicer[pursuant to his reply, 27 October 1986]: Gatwick Airport Ltd. is aiming to bring the new terminal into operation before Easter 1988.
The British Airports Authority's external financing limit of £15 million for 1986–87 was decided in September 1985. It took account of the authority's forecasts of its capital requirements and internal resources, and was thought sufficient to allow the authority to complete Gatwick north terminal in summer 1987, and make good progress on other major projects. The authority subsequently reduced its forecasts of internal resources and as a result decided to delay the opening of the Gatwick north terminal. It is for the authority to order its investment priorities. The BAA informs me that a number of minor changes to the allocation of space and facilities will be made to help deal with the increased traffic expected next year.