Government ministers have come under fire for "flatly refusing" to attend a public meeting in south Essex about the proposed Cliffe airport.

Bob Spink, Tory MP for Castle Point, claimed in the House of Commons that ministers had failed to answer his questions about the £11.5billion scheme in Kent.

They also refused to reject a crosswind runway proposed for the 24-hour international hub which could direct planes over Canvey, Had-leigh and Leigh all day and night, said Mr Spink.

He asked Commons leader Robin Cook: "Will the Leader of the House find time for a debate on the so-called Cliffe airport consultation, so ministers can explain to the House why they refuse flatly to attend a public meeting in my constituency, which I am prepared to arrange for them, to explain this Labour proposal; so they can explain why they flatly refuse to answer my parliamentary written questions on this issue; and so they can explain why they flatly refuse to reject the 'crosswind' runway option, which will result in the over-flying of Canvey, Hadleigh and Leigh 24-hours-a-day?"

Mr Cook replied: "I understand entirely his concern and he will doubtless welcome the fact there are now an additional four months in which this matter can be debated and examined.

"I am familiar with the area he refers to and I fully understand the powerful environmental considerations."

The debate over airport expansion in the south east was extended by four months following a decision to include Gatwick Airport in the proposals.

Published Friday, December 13, 2002

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