To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport how much funding his Department allocated for the construction of airports in the East of England in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. (280096)

The Government have not allocated any funding to the construction of airports over the period in question. Investment in new airport infrastructure and facilities is a commercial matter for airport operators. However, the East of England Development Agency has contributed funds towards studies informing decisions about potential investments surrounding Southend and Norwich airports.