HC Deb 08 June 1990 vol 173 c721W
Mr. Warren

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has received representations from companies operating in the United Kingdom concerning their possible need to relocate to continental bases because of current restrictions at London Heathrow on business aviation.

Mr. McLoughlin

My right hon. Friend has received representations concerning the restrictions on business aviation at Heathrow, asserting that adequate access to the airport is important to maintain the United Kingdom's international competitiveness. It has also been stated that inadequate access could lead business aircraft owners and operators to relocate to other countries, but specific cases have not been put to us.

Mr. Warren

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what evidence has been obtained by his Department from business aircraft operators concerning their operations at London's airports following publication of document CAP 559.

Mr. McLoughlin

My Department has frequent and continuing contacts with business aviation interests through which it obtains information and views on the effects of Government policy in this area.

Mr. Warren

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will review the competitiveness of London's airport provision for business aviation; if he will make a comparable assessment of the strategy of the Paris airports; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. McLoughlin

Business aviation interests keep before us their views on the sector's needs in the London area. It is our policy that the peripheral London airports should accommodate business aviation displaced from Heathrow and Gatwick. If the industry felt that a dedicated facility on the lines of Paris Le Bourget was desirable, we should expect it to develop proposals.