HC Deb 19 November 1998 vol 319 cc831-2W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects his Department to issue the first consultation draft of the airports policy.[60643]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The Government are currently considering the precise scope and timing of the airports policy statement promised in their White Paper "A New Deal for Transport", and will announce their conclusions in due course. They will also consider what steps might be taken to develop thinking and focus the debate on the way forward including proposals for consultation.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure that his Department's paper on an airport strategy will be published after the publication of the inspector's report on the Terminal 5 inquiry at Heathrow; and if he will make a statement. [60751]

Ms Glenda Jackson

In their White Paper "A New Deal for Transport", the Government saidWe will prepare a UK airports policy looking some 30 years ahead. This will develop the application to UK airport of the policies set out in this White Paper—of sustainable development, integration with surface transport and contribution to regional growth. It will provide the framework within which those concerned can plan for the future with greater certainty. We will consult widely in preparing the new policy and will take account of the Inspector's report on the Heathrow Terminal 5 inquiry".

The Government are currently considering the precise scope and timing of the airports policy statement in their White Paper "A New Deal for Transport", and will announce their conclusions in due course.