Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have discussed the possible expansion of Heathrow with representatives of the government of China or Chinese state agencies in preparing for the state visit of the President of China in October.

To ensure our long term connectivity needs can be met, the previous Government established the independent Airports Commission to identify and recommend to Government options for maintaining this country’s status as an international hub for aviation. Three options for expansion were shortlisted by the Commission for further examination.

I am not aware of Her Majesty’s Government receiving any representations from the government of China or Chinese state agencies about the potential expansion of Heathrow Airport.