§ Mr. BoothTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what is his policy on general aviation facilities.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe Government recognise that general aviation, and in particular business aviation, can bring economic and wider benefits to national competitiveness as well as to local and regional economies. The existence of aviation facilities can be a factor in business location, especially for international companies. The Government wish these benefits to be fully recognised in the planning system, alongside the environmental impacts.
As demand for commercial air transport grows, general aviation is likely to find access to larger airports increasingly restricted. The Government consider that strategic and local planning guidance will need to recognise the role that smaller airfields and landing strips play, and the difficulty of reopening or providing substitute facilities for airfields that have closed. The Government believe that, where there are proposals to develop an existing airfield, a flying option should be retained where demand clearly exists, or is expected in the longer term. But the Government are not willing to subsidise use of general aviation facilities.
There are particular pressures on business aviation in the south-east, especially in the sector to the west and south of London. Business aviation can expect to find it increasingly difficult to operate from Heathrow and Gatwick. Farnborough has the runway length to accommodate larger business aircraft, but its future as an airfield has been uncertain for some time, because it is surplus to MOD requirements. Disposal options are being studied and the Government wish these to take full account of the benefits of continued aviation activity. In the longer term, there is likely to be considerable demand for business aviation of the right type and in the right location in the London area.
The Government therefore believe it important to retain capacity for business aviation at Farnborough. The Government expect this view to be fully reflected in the local planning system.
1092WI expect shortly to be making a statement about civil use at RAF Northolt.