§ 16. Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on expansion of small airports in South East England. [159445]
§ Mr. McNultyI refer the hon. Gentleman to the White Paper "The Future of Air Transport", which makes it clear that smaller airports have an important role to play in relieving pressure on the main South East airports, particularly in the period before a new runway is built in the South East. We support their further development in principle, subject to consideration of relevant environmental, surface access and airspace constraints. Any development proposals will need to be decided locally through the planning system.