§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans the Government have to assist business aviation at RAF Northolt; and if he will make a statement. [19247]
§ Mr. NorrisThe Government carried out a consultation exercise last year with business users on the possibility of creating a civil enclave at RAF Northolt to make better use of the existing capacity. Responses showed that the high capital costs and physical constraints would make this financially unviable. The Government do not intend to pursue this proposal.
However, it is clear that the business aviation industry would welcome increased activity at Northolt through extending shared use of the facilities. The Government 1133W will consult further with the industry, and take into account the views of the local communities and other interested parties, to identify detailed working arrangements at Northolt which could improve the service offered to users and to business in the south-east more generally.