HC Deb 18 October 1994 vol 248 cc174-5W
Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the Government's policy in respect of maximising the underused capacity of Stansted airport.

Mr. Norris

[holding answer 21 July 1994]: The Government wish to see best use made of Stansted's capacity by airlines able and willing to use the airport. There are substantial traffic rights for flights to and from Stansted, but decisions on which services to provide must be a question for airlines based on their own commercial judgment. The Government recently announced that they were opening up Stansted further to transatlantic flights by United Kingdom and United States airlines to any point in the US.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will make available the consultation document entitled "Civil Enclave at RAF Northolt" and other related statements relating to the facilities and possible wider civil use of RAF Northolt to the inspector who is conducting the inquiry into the application by the British Airports Authority for an additional terminal at Heathrow;

(2) if he will publish the consultation document entitled "Civil Enclave at RAF Northolt";

(3) to whom the consultation document entitled "Civil Enclave at RAF Northolt" has been circulated and made available.

Mr. Norris

[holding answer 21 July 1994]: The consultation document on a civil enclave at RAF Northolt was circulated to business aviation interests who expressed an interest in use of RAF Northolt, and to business aviation organisations. It was made available to all other interested parties for information and a copy of the document was placed in the House Library. The consultation period ended on 19 August.

If the inspector at the terminal 5 inquiry considers it relevant, my Department will naturally provide a copy of the consultation document.

Mr. Alfred Morris

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) pursuant to his answer of 6 July,Official Report, column 256, if the Minister's letter on the subject to the chief executive of Manchester airport of 14 July was drafted before the parliamentary reply; what representations there have been from Manchester airport about the Minister's letter; and if he will make a statement;

(2) when he now expects to respond to the third report of the Transport Committee HC (1993–94) 47 in regard to liberalising access to Manchester airport and other airports outside the south-east of England; and if he will make a statement;

(3) what further representations his Department has had from the chief executive of Manchester airport in regard to liberalising access to the airport; what action he will be taking; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Norris

[holding answer 21 July 1994]: I have written to the right hon. Member.

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