Kramer quizzes Fitzpatrick on Heathrow mixed-mode

6.34.11pm GMT Wed 5th Nov 2008

• [Nov 03]: Susan Kramer (Cabinet Office; Richmond Park, Liberal Democrat): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what process his Department will follow following the Government's announcement on the capacity of Heathrow Airport … …

. . in the event that BAA seek permission to (a) introduce mixed-mode within the 480,000 cap and (b) introduce mixed-mode and exceed the existing 480,000 cap.

Jim Fitzpatrick (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Transport; Poplar & Canning Town, Labour): The "Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport" consultation closed on 27 February and we expect to announce a decision on the future development of Heathrow by the end of the year.

If mixed mode operations are supported (either within the current movements cap or with additional movements), it would be for the airport operator to bring forward plans and obtain the necessary planning approvals. The Government would maintain a close interest in this but the nature and timing of any planning applications would be a commercial matter for the airport operator.