House of Commons Hansard Debates for 22 Oct 1991

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That process is essential, because it will allow objectors to put their case publicly and will ensure that their arguments are fairly considered before a final decision is taken.

I hope that the airport will give my constituents a lovely Christmas present. I have always supported the airport, but plans for expansion must take into account the concerns of local residents. There is no way in which I could support growth at any price. 6.10 pm

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. Patrick McLoughlin) : I begin by congratulating my hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale (Sir F. Montgomery) on securing a second Adjournment debate on Manchester airport within a short period. As we are talking about one of the top 20 airports in the world, the time is well spent. I confirm the point that he made about the airport not being controlled by the Government--far from it, as he made clear.

The right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Morris), in whose constituency the airport is located, made a valid point about the overall context and importance of the airport. I am sorry that he diverted into the realms of privatisation. If any privatisation proposals are made, we shall debate them in more detail on a later occasion. I should prefer not to debate them now, as I am pressed for time, but our experience of companies that have been privatised is that there has been no dereliction of duty.

One of the objectives that the Government had in mind when the largest local authority airports were recon-structed as companies under the Airports Act 1986 was that they should think and plan ahead as businesses. That involves them in considering the financing of airport activities, but as important is the preparation of strategies for the development of their airports so that the public can be consulted and so that the environmental implications can be considered in good time.

Manchester was in the forefront of creating an airport company and it has been in the lead in preparing development strategies and in public involvement. Its existing strategy, prepared in 1987, covers the period to 1995. The airport company has now published a draft of the fourth development strategy that will cover the period to 2005. It is right that the company should set out its proposals and the rationale for them. Although we recognise that the options that the draft contains may cause severe concerns to some of the people living near the airport, others will be encouraged by the prospect of the greater opportunities that these proposals represent.

The airport is well known as a major source of employment for the region. There are more than 150 companies at the airport, employing almost 10,000 people. An additional 15,000 jobs in the region are dependent on the airport.

Mr. Alfred Morris : It employs more than 10,000 directly at the airport.

Mr. McLoughlin : The right hon. Gentleman says that it is more than 10,000. It is certainly a vibrant part of Manchester.

I said only last week in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, North-East (Mr. Thurnham) that passenger numbers at the airport had increased from 3.4 million in 1979 to more than 10 million in 1990. For

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several years in succession, Manchester has been Europe's fastest expanding airport. The airport company forecasts that passenger numbers will increase to 16 million in 1995, to 22 million in the year 2000 and beyond that.

Translating such figures into requirements for terminal and runway capacity is not as straightforward as it may seem because of the uncertainties about aircraft sizes, the mix between schedule and charter traffic and the amount of hub traffic that is expected, but Manchester forecasts that demand during the morning peak period in 1995 will be equivalent to about 60 aircraft movements per hour, compared with the existing capacity of between 41 or 42 movements. In the short term, it may be possible to constrain demand by measures such as pricing and liaison on airline schedules. The airport company plans to carry out work to the runway and to the taxiway system to maximise the capacity of the existing runways, but it is concerned that, by the time that passengers levels reach about 18 million, which they are expected to reach in the late 1990s, it will have to turn traffic away because of the shortage of peak-time slots. That is the background to the airport company's proposal to construct a second runway.

I agree with my hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale about the need for local people to be able to use their own local airport. I wish that we could think of another name for regional airports. It is unfair to describe Manchester, Birmingham or other airports as regional airports-- they are major airports. Manchester is the third largest airport in the United Kingdom and it is wrong to describe it as a regional airport.

We received a report from the CAA on airport capacity--document CAP 570. We have established a broadly based working group to take forward and to build on the CAA's advice in CAP 570. In considering the south-east area's capacity, it will take full account of the important contributions that regional airports can make to meeting overall growth in demand. The group is testing the CAA's findings that although traffic at regional airports will continue to grow strongly, development at these airports would not provide an effective substitute for additional capacity in the south-east. Indeed, the report stated that we would need to look for a new runway in the south-east by 2005. We are taking advice on the problem in the south- east.

The working group has established a sub-group specifically to consider those important regional issues. It is chaired by a representative of the Joint Airports Committee of Local Authorities, which is making a substantial and valuable contribution to the group's work. I look forward to learning the results of its studies. My hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale mentioned Liverpool. I have no doubt that there is room for development at Liverpool airport, but its owner--British Aerospace-- must decide whether to seek an accommodation with Manchester. It cannot be ignored, however, that by some margin Manchester is the third biggest airport in the United Kingdom. It is a substantial regional airport which provides a wide range of international services for the business traveller and holidaymaker, covering about 140 destinations. It will want to pursue the development in a way that seems most appropriate to its commercial operations.

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Accordingly, Manchester is formulating its own plans to meet the demand being generated within its catchment area. Twenty million people and 60 per cent. of the United Kingdom's manufacturing industry are located within two hours drive of the airport. The CAA's advice in CAP 570 contains traffic projections for Manchester that are broadly comparable to those that the airport company has recently produced. Moreover, the CAA concluded there would be a need for a new runway to serve the north-west and, prima facie, a site in the Manchester area was indicated. The airport company's evaluation of potential runway options has been carried out in conjunction with the CAA to ensure a robust analysis compatible with national air traffic planning. An initial study by the company shows that a second runway could be integrated into the air traffic system both regionally and nationally.

My hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale will not expect detailed views from me today on the three areas of search for a second runway contained in the draft development strategy. The airport company has rightly set out the options and invited comments on them. It has also given an undertaking that it will announce its preferred option before Christmas. I join my hon. Friend in hoping that there will be no slippage in that announcement. We are all aware of the uncertainty that proposed major developments have caused. Therefore, the sooner that uncertainty is ended the better. The undertaking is important to end the uncertainty that the possibility of large-scale airport development inevitably creates.

Some of this uncertainty relates to the differing noise effects which local residents may suffer directly from the various options. There is also more general concern about aircraft noise as an environmental issue, together with concern about landscape and air and water quality. Manchester airport lies in attractive open countryside, within the green belt and close to residential communities. At the same time, its development is closely related to our aviation liberalisation policies and to our achievements since 1979 in regenerating the economy of the north-west. The airport company recognises that it has a particularly difficult task in balancing the claims of development and the environment.

Noise abatement measures are generally the responsibility of the owners or operators of airports. We believe that these local matters are best discussed and resolved locally, but we expect owners or operators to reduce the disturbance caused by their operations so far as is practicable and reasonable. We also believe that Manchester airport is taking its environmental responsibilities seriously--for example, its noise and track- keeping system and its contribution to research on sleep disturbance.

One cannot completely overcome noise problems, but the airport company is doing what it can reasonably be expected to do to mitigate the effects. That can be achieved without recourse to new taxation. My hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale would not wish us to follow through that suggestion which his constituents may have made, but I accept the specific points that have been made about people using the airport and the impact on the locality. This matter can best be addressed by the airport, without introducing new taxation. New taxation would set a precedent for other airports, which I am not sure we would welcome.

The Government, too, are playing an active role in reducing aircraft noise. The United Kingdom played a

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major part last year in securing worldwide agreement within the International Civil Aviation Organisation to ban the older, noisier, chapter 2 types of aircraft between 1995 and the year 2002. A European Community directive on the subject will be incorporated into United Kingdom legislation. On current forecasts, the phasing out of noisier jets will improve the noise environment around airports, even with projected increases in traffic.

Noise will, of course, be one of the factors covered in the environmental impact assessment which will accompany the airport's planning application for its preferred choice of runway site. It hopes to reach that stage by 1993. Consideration of the issues would then be a matter for the planning system in the normal way. My hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale and the right hon. Member for Wythenshawe said that they would campaign vigorously to have applications called in. Whether an application should be called in is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the environment to determine in the circumstances that exist at the time. The Government's general approach is not to interfere with the jurisdiction of local planning authorities unless that is necessary. In general, cases are called in only if planning issues of more than local importance are involved--for example, those that have wide effects beyond the immediate locality, those that give rise to substantial regional or national controversy, those that may conflict with national policy on important matters and those where the interests of national security of foreign Governments may be involved. There is a fairly wide definition. I am sure that it would not be beyond the ability of my hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale to make a strong case for consideration by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

There are no easy solutions in building a runway. In many debates, hon. Members on both sides of the House have agreed with the need for additional runway capacity. However, there are always differences over where that extra capacity should be. One of the most memorable of those occasions occurred when the House debated the findings of CAP 570. My hon. Friends said that a new runway was essential, but they then explained why it should not be at the airport closest to their constituencies. It is a difficult decision and we face great difficulties in dealing with applications.

We have no control over the airport. As my hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale pointed out, the company is controlled by local councillors in the main and by three executive officers. I am sorry to hear about personal attacks on Gil Thompson, whom I respect and to

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whom I have listened. I am disturbed to hear of personal attacks on someone who is doing a professional job. It is unfortunate if such things happen and would not serve any purpose.

Over the past 10 years, through the Government's liberalisation policies, the tremendous growth in regional airports has brought tremendous benefits to the people living in those areas. They do not necessarily have to travel to the south-east to get a flight. The important changes that have occurred have been generally welcomed, because those airports have provided new hubs for business. In 1979, just over 3 million passengers used Manchester airport, the number has grown to more than 10 million. Many people are directly employed by the airport.

Mr. Stephen Day (Cheadle) : I wish to make it clear to my hon. Friend that Manchester airport is recognised as an asset for the region. The problem is that, in Cheadle, my constituents have been asked to face the prospect of not only a second runway but night flights.

Mr. McLoughlin : I thank my hon. Friend. Those are important points. My hon. Friends the Members for Cheadle and for Altrincham and Sale have stressed the importance of achieving a balance between expansion and environmental considerations, such as noise abatement. There are no easy solutions, but it is right that Manchester airport has formulated a long- term strategy and is consulting the public about it. We need to--

It being not later than half an hour after the motion had been made, Mr. Deputy Speaker-- suspended the Sitting, pursuant to Order [18 October.]

Sitting suspended at 6.27 pm.

7.24 pm

Mr. Speaker-- resumed the Chair.

Message to attend the Lords Commissioners :

The House went :--and, having returned :

Royal Assent

7.50 pm

Mr. Speaker : I have to acquaint the House that the House has been to the House of Peers where a Commission under the Great Seal was read, authorising the Royal Assent to the following Acts : British Technololgy Group Act 1991

Export and Investment Guarantees Act 1991

Greater Manchester (Light Rapid Transit System)

(No. 5) Act 1991

Birmingham City Council Act 1991.

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Prorogation

Her Majesty's Most Gracious Speech

Mr. Speaker : I have further to acquaint the House that the Lord High Chancellor, one of the Lord Commissioners, delivered Her Majesty's Most Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament, in pursuance of Her Majesty's Command. For greater accuracy, I have obtained a copy and also directed that the terms of the speech be printed in the Votes and Proceedings. Copies are being made available in the Vote Office.

The Gracious Speech was as follows :

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons

The Duke of Edinburgh and I were pleased to receive the State Visits of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Poland and Mrs. Walesa in April and His Excellency the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Mrs. Mubarak in July.

We recall with pleasure our State Visit to the United States of America in June. We remember with satisfaction our State Visits to Namibia and Zimbabwe in October, where I was also present on the occasion of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. My Government played a full and vigorous part in the action taken by the United Nations and the international community to eject Iraqi forces from Kuwait and to restore that country's independence and legitimate government, and in setting up a Compensation Fund for those who suffered following Iraq's invasion. They responded rapidly to the Iraqi Government's persecution of their own people. They have made it clear that Iraq cannot resume its place in the international community while the present government remain in power.

My Government have continued to make a substantial contribution to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, and otherwise to maintain provision for national defence commitments. They have welcomed improvements in the security situation in Europe and are participating fully in adapting the Alliance, including the development of a stronger European defence identity in the Western European Union. They have announced proposals to restructure Britain's defences to reflect changing international circumstances. My Government hosted the successful Economic Summit in July and the subsequent historic meeting between Summit leaders and President Gorbachev of the Soviet Union. Following the Summit, My Government vigorously denounced the attempted coup in the Soviet Union, and supported President Yeltsin's courageous stand against it. They have been working actively to encourage the integration of the Soviet Union and its Republics into the international economy. My Government welcomed warmly the return to independence of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

My Government have continued to work for balanced and verifiable arms control agreements. They played an important part in concluding the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, and in the Third Review Conference of the Biological and Toxic Weapons Convention.

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My Government have played a full part in the development of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe. They have worked actively for new mechanisms for maintaining stability in Europe. My Government have continued to work towards the Single European Market. They have participated fully in negotiations in the Inter- Governmental Conferences on political union and economic and monetary union. They have supported the development of the Community's relations with other European nations. They have, with our European partners, concluded joint declarations with the United States, Canada and Japan ; and economic and financial agreements with Asia, Latin America and the Mediterranean non-member countries. My Government welcomed the inaugural meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in London in April. They have continued their active support for democratic change in Eastern Europe.

My Government's commitment to strengthening the United Nations was reflected in the Political Declaration issued by the London Economic Summit.

My Government have maintained a substantial and effective overseas aid programme to assist developing countries.

My Government welcomed progress towards democratic government in Africa, and towards the end of apartheid in South Africa. They have worked strenuously for the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. They have welcomed the continuing progress in Latin America towards democracy and market economies.

My Government have continued their sustained efforts to combat terrorism in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. They welcomed the recent release of hostages from Lebanon and have maintained their efforts to obtain the release of all remaining hostages in the Middle East.

My Government ratified the 1988 United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and have played a full part in establishing the United Nations International Drugs Control Programme. They concluded agreements to confiscate drug traffickers' funds with seven governments. My Government welcomed the agreement of the consultative parties to an environmental protocol to the Antarctic Treaty.

Members of the House of Commons

I thank you for the provision which you have made for the honour and dignity of the Crown and for the public service.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons My Government have pursued firm financial policies which have reduced inflation sharply and laid the foundations for the resumption of sustained growth. The pound sterling has remained well within its band in the Exchange Rate Mechanism.

My Government have further reduced the rate of Corporation Tax and made a number of changes to the tax system to benefit businesses. They have introduced additional measures to help unemployed people return to work.

As part of My Government's privatisation programme, the electricity supply industry in Great Britain has been restructured and shares in the companies sold.

The Citizen's Charter White Paper set out My Government's policies for improving the quality of public

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services through increased choice, better value for money and stronger accountability.

Legislation has been enacted to establish a School Teachers' Review Body for England and Wales.

My Government have implemented reforms of the National Health Service, and announced strategies for improving health. They have implemented the Children Act.

An Act has been passed to improve the town and country planning system, and the arrangements for compensation for compulsory purchase.

My Government have continued to work for the regeneration of our cities. New competitive funding initiatives have been introduced to improve the quality of regeneration in priority areas and the renovation and management of local authority housing in England and Wales.

An Act has been passed to give the Courts jurisdiction to try certain war crimes of the Second World War.

Legislation has been enacted to improve the administration of criminal justice and the treatment of offenders in England and Wales.

An Act has been passed to strengthen the law on dangerous dogs. Legislation has been enacted to provide new benefits for disabled people and to strengthen parental responsibility for children by improving the assessment, collection and enforcement of maintenance. An Act has been passed to improve the arrangements governing coal mining subsidence.

Legislation has been enacted to encourage private financing of roads and better coordination of streetworks ; to improve road traffic law and management ; and to enable trust ports to become publicly-owned companies.

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Legislation has been enacted to enable contractor operation of the Atomic Weapons Establishment, and to provide for the sale of the British Technology Group.

An Act has been passed to update the powers of the Export and Credit Guarantee Department and to facilitate the sale of the Insurance Services business.

In Northern Ireland, My Government's efforts to combat terrorism have continued. An Act has been passed to reform anti-terrorist legislation. My Government have continued to encourage political progress by promoting collective talks with the main constitutional Northern Ireland parties. They have maintained a constructive relationship with the Republic of Ireland under the Anglo-Irish Agreement.

For Scotland, legislation has provided for a Natural Heritage Agency, to secure an integrated approach to conservation and countryside matters .

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may attend you . Thereafter a Commission for proroguing the Parliament was read, after which the Lord Chancellor said :

"My Lords and Members of the House of Commons : by virtue of Her Majesty's Commission which has now been read, we do, in Her Majesty's name, and in obedience to Her Majesty's Commands, prorogue this Parliament to Thursday the thirty-first day of this instant October, to be then her holden, and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Thursday the thirty-first day of this instant October."

End of the Fourth Session (opened on 7 November 1990) of the Fiftieth Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in the Fortieth Year of the Reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second.

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