§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions he has had regarding a new airport in the Thames estuary area; and if he will make a statement. [53926]
§ Mr. JamiesonFollowing press speculation in March about the potential location of a new airport on the Hoo peninsula in Kent my right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport agreed to meet a group of local MPs and, separately, the leader of Kent county council. At these meetings he explained that the press articles were speculative and was able to confirm the approach we have taken to identifying and narrowing down options in the south-east airports study.
We hope to publish the public consultation on the shortlisted options next month.