To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what recent assessment he has made of the effect on levels of greenhouse gas emissions of (a) passenger aircraft and (b) cargo aircraft using Southend Airport; what representations he has received on this issue since January 2008; and if he will make a statement; (276871)

The Department for Transport’s latest assessment of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from passenger and freight aircraft using the UK’s main airports is published in Annex G of “UK Air Passenger Demand and CO₂ Forecasts 2009”. This is available at:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/aviation/atf/co2forecasts09/

No assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from passenger and freight aircraft using Southend Airport has been made, nor has the Secretary of State received any representations on the issue.

There have been no discussions between the Department for Transport and BAA on proposals for the expansion of Southend Airport. London Southend Airport was purchased in December 2008 by Stobart Group Ltd. from Regional Airports Limited.

The Future of Air Transport White Paper identified Southend Airport as having a valuable role in meeting local demand and the potential to contribute to regional economic development. The White Paper supported further development in principle, subject to relevant environmental considerations. The two local councils, Rochford and Southend, have recently consulted on their preferred option for the development of Southend Airport. This consultation closed on 15 May 2009.