asked the Secretary of State for Transport why the Government requested the Civil Aviation Authority to review the present rules for traffic distribution between the London airports; and if he will make a statement.

I refer the hon. Member to paragraphs 11.9 and 11.10 of the White Paper "Airports Policy" (Cmnd. 9542) published in June. These explain why the Government consider that the roles played by each of London's airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton) should be examined in detail in consultation with the civil aviation industry and its users. The White Paper announced the Government's intention to invite the Civil Aviation Authority to review the existing traffic distribution rules for London and to advise him on the need for any changes. The authority has just published a consultation document, "Air traffic distribution in the London area", a copy of which is in the Library.