Regional Airports

Answer: My hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point. In fact, I think that about 35,000 jobs are supported by Manchester airport alone, and businesses choose where to locate in Britain partly because of international connectivity. The economic impact of transfer passengers has been widely debated inside and outside the House, and when we consider the issues about Heathrow expansion, it is important to take into account the impact of such passengers within the UK. After all, one quarter of all transfer passengers at Heathrow come from regional airports. That is one factor that we must take into account, but obviously the decision will be based on local environmental considerations as well as on the overall economic impact.

This is an answer to the Oral question asked on Tuesday, 8 July 2008 by Andrew Gwynne (Labour).

Question: I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. She will know the tremendous benefits to industry and commerce not only in Greater Manchester but throughout the north-west of England of having a large regional hub airport based at Manchester. Will she ensure that the vital economic role played by regional airports such as Manchester is properly considered in the current aviation policy consultation and in the current debate about the expansion of Heathrow?

Secondary information

Type: Oral answer to question
Reference: 478 c1273
Session: 2007-08
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Aviation Airports Regional planning and development Regional airports
Link: View this Oral answer to question on www.publications.parliament.uk