5-02-04

Barrett obtains debate on Government aviation plans

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today promised to raise both national as well as local Edinburgh issues after securing a parliamentary debate on the Government's Aviation White Paper.

Mr Barrett, whose constituency includes Edinburgh Airport, will propose the 90-minute debate on Wednesday 11th February in Westminster Hall.  A Minister from the Department of Transport will be required to reply.

The news comes almost two months after the publication of the White Paper on the Future of Air Transport, which included specific plans for the expansion of Edinburgh Airport, including the construction of a second runway in 15 years time.

In a statement, Mr Barrett said:

"The White Paper published before Christmas will have major consequences, both nationally for the UK as well as locally for Edinburgh, especially for those of my constituents living around the airport.  Although I am pleased to have secured the debate, it is unfortunate the Government has not provided MPs with an opportunity to debate these issues before now.

"For the UK, there are still questions over the extent to which the airline industry will pay for the pollution and environmental damage caused by air transport.  For Edinburgh, the expansion of Edinburgh airport will bring a number of opportunities but also leaves hundreds of my constituents facing the prospect of increased blight and a pretty uncertain future. 

"Hopefully, this debate will allow for concerns to be put on the record and allow me and other MPs to get answers to the many questions left unanswered by the Government."

ENDS