HC Deb 08 February 1960 vol 617 cc17-8
24. Mr. A. Royle

asked the Minister of Aviation what plans he has for permitting scheduled jet aircraft movements at London, Airport between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Mr. Sandys

I am considering an application from British European Airways for permission to operate a few scheduled services at night with the Comet IVB. Before coming to a decision, I have asked for noise trials to be held.

Mr. Royle

Whilst I appreciate my right hon. Friend's difficulties in arriving at this decision, may I ask him if he is aware that his statement will cause widespread dismay amongst hundreds of thousands of residents who live within ten miles of London Airport, and will he reconsider his decision?

Mr. Sandys

I do not see why it should cause dismay to hundreds of thousands of residents to learn that I have decided to have noise tests before giving a decision on sanctioning these services.

Mr. Hunter

Will the Minister of Aviation bear in mind that many residents live very close to London Airport? In my constituency, some of the houses are only a few hundred yards away from one of the runways. Will he study the noise question very carefully, especially noise at night, which naturally disturbs people more than during the day?

Mr. Sandys

That is why I have asked for noise tests to be carried out.

Mr. R. Harris

Will my right hon. Friend ensure that the standards demanded in these noise tests for night flying will be much tighter than those demanded for day flying? In Heston and Isleworth, where the residents live much nearer to the airport than do those in Richmond, his news will be received with great alarm and despondency.

Mr. Sandys

I have not given any news.

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