5-11-02

Barrett to quiz Minister on airport expansion

John Barrett MP, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, will today meet with Transport Minister John Spellar to discuss the implications of the expansion in air traffic in West Edinburgh.

In a statement, John Barrett MP said:

"The consultation document, produced by the Department of Transport, contains a number of options for the expansion of Edinburgh airport located in my constituency. The plans could bring major transport benefits to the City but at the same time, any increase in air traffic will have major implications for my constituents around Kirkliston, Ratho and Cramond. It is clear the Government need to better explain the pros and cons of any development.

"I will also be raising the poor response to the consultation received by the Government, with only 1.2% of people who received the document in Scotland responding. Clearly, with only four weeks left until the end of the consultation period, it is crucial as many people as possible feed in their views. The Government need to take action to ensure the 30th November deadline is advertised as widely as possible.

"It is also important for the Government, following the consultation, to publish the air transport white paper as soon as possible. Uneccessarily delaying the paper, which will only continue the uncertainty for my constituents and for people throughout Edinburgh, must not be an option.

"It seems there are more questions than answers at present. Hopefully, my meeting with the Minister will be able to answer some of those questions."

ENDS