To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many full-time equivalent (a) civil servants and (b) consultants were working on proposals for the expansion of Heathrow Airport on 20 May 2025; and what the cost to the public purse is for (a) the time spent by civil servants and (b) consultants who have been working on this since 29 January 2025.

The Chancellor announced on 29 January that the government supports expansion that is in line with our legal, environmental and climate obligations and has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, to be brought forward by the summer.

As the lead department supporting this key priority, we are working with colleagues across government to ensure appropriate resource to support the successful delivery of this work including, where appropriate, external expertise. Between the months of January and May 2025, the Department has not spent any money on consultants in relation to Heathrow work.