§ Dr. Michael ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has been approached by any consortium seeking permission to build an airport on either Foulness Island or Maplin Sands; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyNo. My right hon. Friend has seen only press reports suggesting airport development off the Essex coast.
§ Dr. Michael ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his long-term policy for airports includes the building of a new international airport in Essex, or offshore from the Essex coast.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe 1985 White Paper "Airports Policy" (Cmnd. 9542) set out the strategy for airport development in the south east to meet demand to the mid-1990s. This strategy did not include a new airport off the Essex coast but foreshadowed a substantial role for Stansted airport. My right hon. Friend is currently awaiting formal advice from the Civil Aviation Authority on the adequacy of airport capacity to 2005.