Aerospace Industry

Lord Hamilton of Epsom Excerpts

Monday 5th December 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord De Mauley]

Yes, my Lords. The coalition Government have made clear that they do not support the construction of a third runway at Heathrow because of the unacceptable impacts on local communities and on climate change. In advance of the Developing a Sustainable Framework for UK Aviation consultation next spring, the Government are therefore considering a number of alternative measures, including taking on board the recommendations of the South East Airports Task Force.

[Lord Hamilton of Epsom]

When my noble friend hears the appeal of the noble Baroness, Lady Symons, that he should not be ambivalent over the Joint Strike Fighter, should he not be quite clear in his own mind, and should the Government not be quite clear, how much it is going to cost before we commit ourselves to buying it?

[Lord De Mauley]

My Lords, that thought is never far from the Government’s mind.