Greening Blast for 'Minister for BAA'

MP's request to see Heathrow environmental data refused

Local MP Justine Greening has been involved in an angry exchange in the House of Commons over the issue of the release of data on the environmental impact of Heathrow airport.

She asked the House, "Is the Leader of the House aware of any plans that the Department for Transport has to change the Aviation Minister's title to the Minister for BAA?"

Her annoyance was due to the environmental data being made available to BAA but when she made a request to see the same information it was turned down. She was told by the aviation Minister that he did not think it was in the public's interest to release this data.

Ms. Greening responded, "How can it possibly be in the public's interest not to release the data to the public while, at the same time, sharing that data with the operator of Heathrow, BAA?"

She asked Harriet Harman who was representing the Government in the debate if the House could consider the matter when it returned to session in October.

Ms. Harman referred the Putney MP to the Freedom of Information Act and said that it was 'obvious' under the rules why in this case there was an exception to the Act.

August 2, 2007