§ Mr. MillsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will call-in for a full public inquiry into the first stage of Birmingham international airport's master plan involving extending the aircraft parking apron and widening the taxiway. [18850]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State may give a direction requiring planning applications to be referred to him for decision instead of being dealt with by the local authority, but he cannot use these powers in relation to a master plan. Once a planning28W application has been submitted to Solihull metropolitan borough council, a decision will be taken as to whether a direction should be issued.