§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the status and purpose of current developments at Northolt airfield; what was the result of his consultation with industry on the way in which the private sector could be involved in making better use of the existing capacity for civil operations at RAF Northolt; what arrangements he is making to consult local residents; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisWe are undertaking a consultation with business aviation users and operators on the ways in which the private sector might become involved in making better use of the existing capacity at RAF Northolt through development of a civil enclave. This is in line with the policy set out in the 1985 White Paper. The purpose of the present consultation is to find out what might be a commercially feasible way forward within current operating constraints at RAF Northolt. The consultation period ends on 19 August. The defence lands agent will be discussing this with local authority officials. We are not consulting on the basis of any change in the limits on civil use at Northolt and therefore the consultation is not intended to be any broader at this stage. Should a development be proposed for such an enclave, then planning permission would be required from the local authority, with an opportunity for all views to be taken into account.