To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will investigate the (a) liabilities incurred and (b) payments made from the public purse by the seven local authorities participating in the Newcastle International Airport Company in respect of payments to former members of its management board; and if she will make a statement. (236979)

Matters relating to liabilities incurred and payments made are for the local authorities involved. Local authorities are under a duty to achieve best value in carrying out their functions. Any concerns that a local authority has not achieved best value should be addressed to the auditor in the first instance.