MP ATTACKS GOVERNMENT'S AVIATION POLICY

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 16th Dec 2003

Commenting today on the Government's plans for aviation expansion Sue Doughty, Shadow Minister for the Environment said:

"Yet again the government has failed to get to grips with reality. This white paper will create a disaster for many. What it will deliver will be major increases in air pollution and in noise pollution.

It is quite ridiculous to suggest that the airlines will go ahead and use more fuel efficient planes to remove these problems. Without the use of fuel tax, airport tax or emissions tax there is no incentive to make any improvements.

The policies which the government has been following have been completely discredited."