MPs Demand Airport Probe

By Anonymous

MPs have slammed the government and called for a public inquiry into its handling of the consultation on Heathrow Airport expansion. Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington John McDonnell, whose constituency includes Heathrow, put down an early-day motion calling for an inquiry following a House of Commons debate last week. If successful, no decision will be taken on plans for a third runway and sixth terminal until it is concluded.

During the debate, MPs criticised the government over claims that it colluded with BAA in drawing up the consultation. These emerged last month after minutes of meetings between the two were made public (Planning, 14 March, p6).

McDonnell said: “It has become obvious that MPs from all sides no longer have any confidence in the consultation process.”

MPs forced aviation minister Jim Fitzpatrick to admit that the DfT had received 70,000 responses to the consultation. Previous estimates were reported to be around 18,000.

Copyright Haymarket Business Publications Ltd. Apr 11, 2008

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