HC Deb 11 December 2000 vol 359 c23W
Mr. Love

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to publish his air transport consultation document. [142396]

Mr. Mullin

Tomorrow my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Transport will be launching a national consultation document on air transport, entitled "The Future of Aviation". This is the first major step towards a new White Paper on air transport. The consultation document invites views on a wide range of aviation and airports issues that underpin air transport policy. In particular, it will examine consumer issues; the best use of airspace and airport capacity; environmental questions; and planning for airport development. The closing date for responses is 12 April 2001. Copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House. Two supporting studies will also be issued alongside the consultation document: part 1 of a UK Air Freight Study and a study into the Potential Impact of Changes in Technology on the Development of Air Transport in the UK. Copies of these studies will also be placed in the Libraries of the House.