Written question asked by Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 7 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 April 2003. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Friday, 11 April 2003 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the implications of an airport at Cliffe for sites designated under (a) the EU Birds Directive and (b) the EU Habitats Directive; and if she will make a statement. - (Holding answer 10 April 2003).

Answer: Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the implications of an airport at Cliffe for sites designated under (a) the EU Birds Directive and (b) the EU Habitats Directive; and if she will make a statement. [108435] Mr. Morley :[holding answer 10 April 2003]: No assessment of this type has been made. If the option of an airport at Cliffe were supported in the Government's proposed Air Transport White Paper and a planning application were brought forward, there would be a need for a full assessment as required under article 6 of the Habitats Directive. This is because of the proximity of the site to the Thames Estuary and Marshes Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar sites.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 108435; 403 c433-4W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Birds Airports EU law Planning Nature conservation Wildlife Special protection areas Ramsar Convention Thames estuary
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk