HC Deb 12 July 1988 vol 137 cc143-4W
Mr. Alfred Morris

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied with the action so far taken by the British Airports Authority plc to relocate the sludge farm at Heathrow airport; what assessment he has made of the implications of its early relocation for the aviation interests of the United Kingdom; and whether he intends to use the Government's influence to ensure that this course is pursued by the British Airports Authority plc as a matter of urgency.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

We understand from BAA plc that technical trials to determine the optimum method by which the Perry Oaks site might be released to Heathrow airport continue. The 1985 White paper "Airports Policy" (Cmnd. 9542) made it clear that the removal of the sludge works and release of the land to the airport was "highly desirable," and that remains the Government's view. Discussions between BAA plc and the Thames water authority on the future of the Perry Oaks site are primarily a matter for the two organisations concerned.