HC Deb 18 November 2002 vol 394 c20W
Mr. John Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the ultimate recommendation for the future of Birmingham airport will be drawn from and confined to the three options set out in the Government's consultation document. [81072]

Mr. Jamieson

We are consulting on a range of development options throughout the midlands, including at Birmingham international airport. No decisions have yet been taken and no final view will be taken on any option until we have taken full account of the consultation responses.

The purpose of a proper consultation is to seek views from a wide range of stakeholders and, as part of their formal responses, different options may be brought forward. We would need to consider and assess the merits of any other option as a necessary part of the consultation process.

Mr. John Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when answers will be given to written inquiries from members of the public regarding the air transport consultation process with particular reference to questions submitted to him in writing during the first week of October. [81073]

Mr. Jamieson

To date, we have received over 25,000 letters from the public on the midlands options alone. My officials are cataloguing each letter and drafting responses as quickly as practicable.

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