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He expresses his concern that part of St Peter’s would be threatened by bulldozers if the extension took place, an admirable sentiment but surely misplaced.

As I understand it, if the runway is to be extended, it is at the eastern end that the work will be carried out. In the interest of clarity and good government, a further statement from Deputy Trott would seem to be in order. In the meantime, I commend to him something than Rudyard Kipling wrote many years ago. ‘East is east, and west is best and never the twain shall meet.’ (The Ballad of East and West, 1889).

C. J. BURLEY,

Cedar Hill,

Mount Durand,

St Peter Port,

GY1 1DX.

Editor’s footnote: Deputy Lyndon Trott replies:

‘Rudyard Kipling has much to commend him to the modern reader, but his credentials in civil engineering and aviation economics are less clear.

For absolute clarity, the statement I delivered on behalf of the whole of the Policy & Resources Committee said that there is not a clear or compelling business case for further work into the extension of the runway, as the huge investment of taxpayers’ money required would far exceed any potential benefits of doing so.

Such a view is applicable to both east and west, and indeed the business case for an extension to the east is far less compelling as the work would cost even more than an extension to the west, but deliver no greater potential benefits.

As custodians of the public purse, the Policy & Resources Committee will not recommend expenditure on consultants, whether on or off island, unless it is satisfied that such expenditure can be justified.

Ultimately, however, as ever, it will be for the States of Deliberation to decide.

May I take this opportunity to wish all in our Bailiwick, a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.’