§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to make a decision on proposals to expand Liverpool airport; and if he will make a statement. [493]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordA decision will be taken as soon as possible on the planning applications made by Liverpool Airport plc for the phased development of Liverpool airport. These were called in for the Secretary of State's determination in June 1994 and a public local inquiry was held from 4 April 1995 to 30 June 1995. The report of the inquiry inspector, which was submitted on 25 July 1996, is being considered.
It remains our intention, if feasible, to announce decisions simultaneously on the applications for the phased development of Liverpool airport and for a second runway at Manchester airport.