asked the Secretary of State for Trade what further contact his Department has now had with the Manchester international airport authority about the future role of Manchester airport; and if he will make a statement.

Following the debate in the House on 20 November, I visited Manchester airport on 12 December. I had discussions with members of the authority and representatives of the local authorities and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to Manchester as the gateway international airport for the North of England. In his statement on airport policy on 17 December my right hon. Friend made it clear that my Department will look with particular favour upon proposals for the expansion of capacity to meet demand at airports such as Manchester which can help relieve the burden of traffic through the London area airports.