To recap on this morning's events, the Lib Dem conference voted to reject proposals to change the party's policy on airport expansion. Activists defeated an amendment - put forward by two MPs and supported by the leadership - to relax the blanket opposition to new runways in south-east England, and open the door to expansion at Gatwick and Stansted.

Norman Lamb's speech was well received by Lib Dem members, who rise to their feet in applause. That brings the morning session to a close and delegates make their way out of the hall in search of something for lunch. Proceedings in the main hall will resume at 14.20 BST, when activists will be treated to a speech from Energy Secretary Ed Davey.

Norman Lamb pledges more support for carers and sets out plans for an annual carer's bonus worth £250, a carer's passport to give them extra support and an increase in the carer's allowance.

Norman Lamb underlines the importance of a fully integrated health and social care system. He says he wants the entire health and social care budget to be pooled by 2018: "We will leave it to local areas to decide how this should be done; no single mode imposed by the centre."

Norman Lamb says the challenges facing the NHS are "immense", with an ageing population and a "dramatic increase" in the number of people living with chronic conditions. Action to preserve the NHS is essential, he argues, and he accuses Labour of being "resistant to change" on ideological grounds. The Tories do not escape his criticism either - as he claims that the party leadership will face constant pressure to cut NHS spending from party backbenchers. It is up to the Lib Dems to lead the debate on the future of the NHS, he argues, as he sets out the party's vision for the health service.

Norman Lamb, a care and support minister in the coalition government, sets out the importance of parity of esteem between physical and mental health care. He pledges an end to the "moral outrage" of people with mental health problems stuck in prison instead of receiving treatment. Mr Lamb says that due to Liberal Democrat influence in government these numbers are "falling fast" - down from 87 to 17 in London alone last year, he adds.

Norman Lamb criticises what he regards as Labour inaction on mental health care when the party was in power - and says the Lib Dems will not let this situation to continue. Mr Lamb indicates that there will be a "significant announcement" on mental health tomorrow - the last day of Lib Dem conference.

Time now for a speech from Care Minister Norman Lamb. He says for too long people with mental health issues have had a "raw deal". This is both "morally wrong and economically stupid", he tells the hall, noting how much mental health costs the economy each year. Not to mention the "devastating" human cost, he adds. Mr Lamb stresses that early intervention is vital.

An amendment was put forward by MPs Lorely Burt and Stephen Gilbert to allow future expansion at airports in the south east of England, including Gatwick. They argued that the move would boost investment and growth in the regions and rebalance the economy. But the Lib Dem conference voted - by way of show of hands - to maintain the original policy.

In a blow to the Lib Dem leadership, party members have voted against reversing the party's blanket ban on future airport expansion in the south east of England. Activists cheered when the outcome of the result was announced.

Stephen Gilbert MP insists the Lib Dems would never support more runways to be built if it threatened the party's commitment to tackling climate change, as the environment "is in our DNA". But, he appeals, "we can't as a party maintain a position that locks the regions of our country out from enjoying the benefits of the economic recovery" - and urges activists to support the amendment.

Tom D in Newcastle upon Tyne: If Mr Clegg can't get into power on his own steam he seems intent (as at the last election) to forfeit the party's own beliefs and principles for a piece of power. What he is doing so is so transparent that he not only mocks himself but a party founded on principles and high morals.

Turning away from the conference for a moment, the UK's nomination for the next European Commission, Lord Hill, is undergoing a second round of scrutiny in the European Parliament. Lord Hill was recalled for further questioning after last week's three-hour session on financial services and capital markets, as MEPs were unsatisfied by his answers. Democracy Live is covering the hearing in full.

Cara Jenkinson, from Haringey in London, says the council tax system should be replaced by a land value tax set a local council level - and hopes this will be included in the Lib Dem election manifesto. Ms Jenkison also welcomes plans for a mansion tax, but says there is a lack of clarity about how it will be implemented. She suggests the bands should be up-rated by regional house price inflation and not national house price inflation as has been suggested.

tweets:, external Not called to speak in this debate - very frustrating! Lets hope #ldconf votes the right way and rejects amendment 4

Some news away from the conference. The UK Independence Party has announced that Paul Sykes, one of their largest donors, is being put in charge of its general election campaign, with a specific focus on winning the dozen or so target seats the party has identified. UKIP says Mr Sykes will help "deliver a breakthrough" next May.

Brian: Airport expansion is a credibility issue say Lib Dem activists. Surely Lib Dems and credibility don't go together?

tweets:, external More on the Lib Dem airport row and why the leadership think it's necessary: Read BBC story here. Unlike tuition fees they want a u-turn before, not after, the election so they aren't saddled with a promise that's difficult to keep.

tweets:, external Day 4 at the Lib Dem Party Conference #ldconf ... where else will you see Nick Clegg baking a cake :-) libdems.org.uk/conferencelive @scribblelive