Heathrow debate delays "cynical and disruptive"

19 October 2012 10:18

Heathrow debate delays

A Tory backbench MP has said that delaying the decision on a third runway at Heathrow until after the general election is "both cynical and disruptive".

Speaking during Commons business questions, Zac Goldsmith called for a debate on the timing of the Government-appointed aviation commission, led by former Financial Services Authority chief Sir Howard Davies, which will make its full report in summer 2015.

Mr Goldsmith said: "More or less everyone, whether opponent or advocate of the third runway, agrees that delaying the decision until after the election is both cynical and disruptive. Would the Leader of the House allow us time to debate the timing of the Davies review?"

Leader of the House of Commons Andrew Lansley replied: "Well, clearly he may seek opportunities to do that. From our point of view, I think it would be inappropriate for the Government to seek to debate something when we are at the moment in the midst of the review, the further review undertaken by Howard Davies which will provide an interim report next year and a final report in 2015."