Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Hanham (Conservative). It was answered on Tuesday, 30 March 2010.

Airports: New Runways

Question: My Lords, will the Secretary of State tell the House how the recent judgment on the inquiry into a third runway at Heathrow will affect the Government’s policy and, if they are ever re-elected, what plans they will have to reopen the consultation on a proper, up-to-date basis?

Answer: My Lords, we will consult on the national policy statement. Under the Planning Act 2008, we are required to have such a consultation and that consultation will take place. However, I should quote the words of the judge in last week’s ruling. He said: ""On the basis of the intentions of the secretary of state and BAA, as presently understood, the 2008 Act provides a complete legal framework for consideration of all the issues on which the claimants rely"." Those were the words of the judge. A complete legal framework is in place for considering the issues relating to the further expansion of Heathrow. That complete legal framework includes the consultation that will take place on the new national policy statement.

Secondary information