To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which organisations were consulted on the adding capacity at Heathrow equalities impact assessment consultation; how the consultation was publicised in West London; and whether the Department held any public meetings or public exhibitions as part of the consultation process. (232221)

[holding answer 4 November 2008]: The adding capacity at Heathrow equalities impact assessment consultation document was published on the Department’s website along with foreign language translations of the executive summary detailing how to respond, and was the subject of a press release.

Around 300 organisations were contacted directly by letter drawing attention to the consultation document and alerting them to the intention to hold discussions with stakeholders. These included among others, local authorities, charities and voluntary sector organisations.

A selected number of organisations identified by our independent consultants representing members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities, age and disability sectors were also invited to take part in some additional meetings to discuss the issues. Three of these meetings were held in the local community. No public exhibitions were held.