HC Deb 16 January 2001 vol 361 cc184-5W
35. Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the proposed timetable is for his decision on Heathrow terminal 5. [144000]

Ms Beverley Hughes

The report of the independent Inquiry Inspector, Roy Vandermeer QC, was delivered on 20 December 2000. The decision will be issued as soon as possible after full and careful consideration of the Inspector's report.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has made to BAA concerning the proposed height of buildings for terminal 5 at Heathrow. [144750]

Ms Beverley Hughes

None.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what impact the proposed terminal 5 at Heathrow will have on air traffic control and the availability of runways. [144748]

Ms Beverley Hughes

The proposed fifth terminal at Heathrow was the subject of a Public Inquiry which closed in March 1999 with the report of the independent Inquiry Inspector, Roy Vandermeer QC, being delivered on 20 December 2000. The report now requires full and careful consideration in accordance with the relevant statutory procedures. Consequently, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the issues raised at this stage because of the possibility of prejudicing, or of appearing to prejudice, a full and proper consideration of that report.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what surveys have been undertaken to assess the turbulence which will be caused by the proposed terminal 5 buildings at Heathrow Airport. [144749]

Ms Beverley Hughes

Such surveys are not a matter for this Department.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what distinction he makes between an environmental impact assessment and an environmental statement in relation to terminal 5. [145852]

Ms Beverley Hughes

The term "Environmental Impact Assessment" describes a procedure that has to be followed for certain types of project before they may be granted development consent. The procedure requires the developer to compile detailed information about the likely significant environmental effects of the proposed project. The information prepared by the developer is presented in a written report to the body responsible for deciding whether to grant development consent. This report is the "Environmental Statement". The term "Environmental Statement" is defined, for the purposes of those Regulations, in regulation 2 of the Town and Country Planning (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1988.

The proposed fifth terminal at Heathrow was the subject of a Public Inquiry which closed in March 1999, with the report of the independent Inquiry Inspector, Roy Vandermeer QC, being delivered on 20 December 2000. The report now requires full and careful consideration in accordance with the relevant statutory procedures. Consequently, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the issues raised at this stage because of the possibility of prejudicing, or of appearing to prejudice, a full and proper consideration of that report.