HC Deb 31 March 2003 vol 402 c519W
Mr. Prisk

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment of alternative runway mode has been undertaken in connection with the proposals for three additional runways at Stansted Airport outlined in 'The Future of Air Transport in the South East'. [105242]

Mr. Jamieson

The option for three new runways at Stansted that was developed for the SERAS study provides for four runways arranged in two close parallel pairs. For the purposes of the study certain assumptions were made about the operation of the runways. The assumptions are set out in the SERAS Stage 1 report (option 7 on page 214), which is publicly available.

One runway in each pair would be used for take-offs, the other for landings. In the case of the western pair, the outer (new) runway would be staggered to the northeast of the existing runway. On the basis that landing aircraft should land on the first runway they encounter, aircraft would land on the outer runway in westerly operations and the inner runway in easterly operations.

The eastern pair would not be staggered so either runway could be used for landings and take-offs.

The SERAS study did not appraise other possible ways of operating the runways. Consultees may wish to comment on these assumptions and any other aspect of the options for Stansted.

Mr. Prisk

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessments his Department has made of the potential cost to public funds of a significant transfer of Heathrow's long haul and USA scheduled services to Stansted airport, if a second runway were to be built there.[105243]

Mr. Jamieson

No detailed assessment has been made. Chapter 15 of 'The Future Development of Air Transport—South East' consultation document considers issues relating to the funding of one or more new runways at Stansted and gives examples of the sort of Government action that might be required to allow Stansted to be developed as a hub.