HL Deb 05 April 1995 vol 563 c30WA
Lord Cochrane of Cults

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to assist business aviation at RAF Northolt.

Viscount Goschen

The 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 indicated 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 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.