§ Sir Trevor SkeetTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what passenger air traffic he expects for the south-east in the late 1990s; and when he proposes to announce increased airport capacity in the south-east to meet it.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe Department's air traffic forecasts distinguish between London and regional airports, and are predicted for five-yearly intervals. Passenger demand at the London airports in 2000 is currently forecast to be in the range 88.7–117.6 It is for airport operators to bring forward proposals for new capacity. BAA plc holds outline planning permission for the development of Stansted to handle 15 million passengers per year, although expansion beyond the 8 mppa capacity of its first phase will require Parliament's agreement to the relaxation of the present limit on aircraft movements at the airport. No decision has been taken on the timing of an approach to Parliament.