asked the Secretary of Trade, in view of his recent statement on policy towards regional airports, if he has any plans to change the maximum number of passengers planned for Birmingham airport in the present expansion from the present figure of 2·7 million by 1990.
I am awaiting the report of the inspector at the public inquiry into the current proposals for expansion of Birmingham airport. In my right hon. Friend's statement on 17 December he made clear the Government's policy to encourage the fullest use of regional airports, but plans for further expansion of Birmingham airport would be a matter for the local authorities in the first instance.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the cost of the proposed Birmingham airport expansion; and if he will consider reviewing his Department's policy towards its responsibility for a proportion of this cost.
The total costs of the proposed developments of the new terminal and related works at Birmingham airport are estimated by the West Midlands county council at £43·6 million. The terms of Government assistance with these costs are determined by an agreement expiring on 31 March 1981.