§ Dr. GlynTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the increased traffic on the M4 as a result of the authorisation to use Heathrow for charter flights.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State does not expect road traffic volumes to be significantly affected. The concession allowing the use of Heathrow airport by whole plane charter services is designed to apply only in exceptional circumstances, where holidaymakers would otherwise face unacceptable delay. The concession will end on 30 September. This relaxation in our air traffic distribution policy for the London airports will offer a useful measure of flexibility in dealing with the difficult travel circumstances such as we have seen over recent weekends.