HC Deb 28 January 1959 vol 598 cc1062-3
30. Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is satisfied that the procedure for the ascent and descent of jet aeroplanes from and to London Airport safeguard nearby residents from undue noise and vibration: and if he will make a statement.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. John Hay)

The procedures described to the House by my right hon. Friend on 5th November, were designed to achieve the aim set out in the Question. We are watching the situation carefully, in collaboration with the air lines concerned, but reports on operations so far indicate that more experience is required before the effectiveness of these procedures can be fairly judged.

Mr. Brockway

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it was hoped that residents in the nearby areas would become conditioned to the noise and vibration, but that only this last week, from Colnbrook and Langley, over which places these planes immediately rise, I have had letters saying that children are still terrified and that adults and old people are left in nervous prostration for some minutes after the aeroplanes have passed? Is he aware that unless he makes some change, he will have to declare a curfew during the period of the planes passing, and would not that be intolerable?

Mr. Hay

I hesitate to comment on the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, but we realise that there is an awful problem here. I feel that we need a little more time in which to judge the effectiveness of the procedures which have already been put into operation.

Mr. Beswick

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have had no answer to a letter sent to his Department some little time ago, in which it was stated that aircraft taking off to the west, jet and others, deviated to starboard, and that this brings them directly over Longford village, causing increased annoyance to residents in that village? Is that the case, and is it necessary?

Mr. Hay

I should have to have notice of that point, but I think I recollect signing a letter to the hon. Gentleman yesterday.