§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to ensure that, following the conversion of local authority owned airports into public limited companies, no changes in planning policy occur as a result of changes in ownership; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe transfer of local authority owned airports to public airport companies is not intended to bring about any change in planning policy. By virtue of part V of the Airports Act 1986, all major airport companies will have certain rights under the General Development Order but any development which would significantly increase capacity will remain subject to the normal planning process.