HC Deb 03 February 1999 vol 324 cc630-1W
Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) when he intends to publish the White Paper on aviation and airport policy; [68341]

(2) what steps he is taking to ensure that there is sufficient airport capacity to meet forecast air traffic growth in the South East up to and beyond 2015; and if he will make a statement; [68333]

(3) if he plans to publish a White Paper on aviation and airport policy during the current Parliament. [69027]

Dr. Reid

[holding answer 1 February 1999]: In our White Paper "A New Deal for Transport" we set out a number of key policy principles relating to airports. We also announced that we will prepare a new statement of UK airports policy, and a large amount of preparatory work is now under way. We are considering the precise scope and timing of the policy statement, and how to undertake the necessary preparatory work relating to South East England, and will make a further announcement in due course.

Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the findings of the 1993 Study of Runway Capacity to Serve the South East. [68334]

Dr. Reid

[holding answer 1 February 1999]: The study of Runway Capacity to Serve the South East was prepared at the behest of the previous Government. In preparing a new UK airports policy statement, we shall wish to take a fresh look at the issue, in the light of the principles we have set out in the "New Deal for Transport" White Paper.

Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the timetable for planning for new airport capacity in the South East on the competitiveness of the region. [68335]

Dr. Reid

[holding answer 1 February 1999]: The Government recognise the importance of airport capacity for competitiveness in the South East. The impact of the timetable for planning new airports capacity will therefore be an important factor informing the precise scope and timing of the new UK airports policy statement.