asked the Secretary of State for Trade what Government financial aid has been given to local authority owned airports over the past 20 years; and if he will name the airports that have received such aid.

I regret that the information requested cannot be provided except at disproportionate cost. It is, however, Government policy not to provide direct financial aid to local authority airports; and there are no proposals to do so with the single exception of Birmingham airport, where, under an agreement made in 1960, there is an obligation to pay grant towards a new terminal building. That agreement has recently expired and will not be renewed.