GILBERT WELCOMES AIRPORT INQUIRY

12.00.00pm GMT Wed 21st Jan 2009

Stephen Gilbert, the Lib Dem prospective MP for Newquay, has welcomed the inquiry set up by Cornwall County Council to look at the reasons for the failure to ensure the uninterrupted transfer of Newquay Cornwall Airport from military to civilian control in December 2008.

Stephen Gilbert commented:

"The failure to ensure the smooth handover of the airport caused thousands of people inconvenience in their journeys, was an embarrassment to Cornwall and has potentially exposed local Council tax-payers to considerable costs."

"At the time I argued there should be an inquiry that looks at all aspects of the project, including the political oversight, and I welcome the announcement today that the County Council has asked John Mills to conduct an independent inquiry into what went wrong."

"I hope the report will identify any mistakes that were made both so that lessons can be learned for the future but also so that whoever was responsible can be held accountable."