High Speed Rail Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate
Department: Department for Transport

High Speed Rail

Henry Smith Excerpts
Monday 28th January 2013

(11 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

As I said earlier, some of my discussions with various bodies have been curtailed until the route is announced, but those conversations should start in earnest as a result of today’s announcement.

Henry Smith Portrait Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)
- Hansard - -

I commend my right hon. Friend for his statement. He is right about how important connectivity with the London hub airport will be when the issue of the hub is determined. Will cognisance also be taken, however, of the importance of linkage with major international gateways to the south of London, such as Gatwick airport and the Gatwick Express?

Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

My hon. Friend is right. We cannot look at these things singly, but must consider how they impact not only on Heathrow airport but on other airports and availability to constituents who wish to use those services.