To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he will make a decision on the application by Alconbury Development Ltd. concerning the Alconbury airfield. [129685]

My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is currently consulting parties about whether material changes have occurred since the inquiry into the appeals, relating to development at Alconbury Airfield, closed. The deadline for responses is 13 October. Any representations made will then be circulated for comment, giving a further period within which final comments may be made. The decisions on the appeals will be made as soon as possible after that. The exact timing will, however, depend on whether any matters arise from the reference back.