The problem with Lord Bates is that although he was a local MP for a couple of years he was parachuted into a safe seat to protect him from the rigours of the real world. If you follow his reasoning 50% of airports in England would be closed and as you and I know this is a ridiculous proposition.
Mind you the Scotsman's reply at PMQ's didn't make sense either. Heathrow expansion will stimulate local airport growth. The third runway is at least 15yrs away on past building projections and it is highly likely not to go ahead at all.