The government has been urged to be more specific about when and where new runways should be built.

Alastair Darling is reluctant to say which airports in the South East should be developed first.

The transport secretary is also unwilling to publish a timetable for opening the three runways needed in the South East for the projected tripling of demand for air travel. Businesses, airlines and union leaders have written to the transport secretary to protest.

"It is essential that ministers provide the greatest possible clarity...and also make clear which runway the government believes should be developed first," says a letter signed by Digby Jones of the CBI, Brendan Barber of the TUC, Mike Clasper of BAA and Richard Branson of Virgin.

A spokesman for the DfT told ePolitix.com: "This all forms part of the consultation process. The government is very pleased to receive comments on this issue and will take them all on board before publishing the white paper later this year."

Forum Response: British Airways

A spokeswoman for British Airways told ePolitix.com: "We would like the white paper to set out a clear decision and timescale for new runways.

"It is very important for the government to take the lead on this issue.

"Those people in the areas that may be affected deserve to know, as soon as possible, whether or not new runways will be built in their locality."

Forum Response: Woodland Trust

Dr James Cooper, spokesman for the Woodland Trust, told ePolitix.com: "A great deal of effort has been invested in the consultation process both by residents whose quality of life is threatened by the proposals and by stakeholders and lobby groups.

"A clear steer by government is required to end the uncertainty. That steer should be one which is firmly based upon the government's own sustainable development strategy and commitments to protect ancient woodland."

Forum Response: Virgin Atlantic

A spokeswoman for Virgin Atlantic told ePolitix.com: "Virgin Atlantic urges the government to move quickly from consultation, to the publication of the long awaited aviation white paper, and then to the speedy implementation of the final decisions taken."