§ Mr. Allan StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what considerations of policy he has taken into account in deciding the timing of his forthcoming announcement of the results of his review of Scottish lowland airports policy; and if he will make a statement;
(2) when he expects to announce his decision on the review of Scottish lowland airports policy.
§ Mr. McLoughlinMy right hon. Friend has said that he expects to be able to announce his decision on future policy for the Scottish lowland airports early this year. That remains the position. We recognise the need to end uncertainty over the policy, but we shall not be reaching a decision until the views expressed in the over 1,100 responses received during the consultation have been carefully considered. My right hon. Friend has written to my hon. Friend to stress that there is no question of external considerations being allowed to affect either the decision itself or its timing.