HC Deb 17 July 1961 vol 644 cc878-80
36. Mr. R. Harris

asked the Minister of Aviation how many landings are taking place daily on No. 1 Runway at London Airport from east to west; whether he will analyse the figures as compared with last year; and if he is satisfied that the agreement with the local residents' associations and the Airport Consultative Committee, relating to the use of No. 1 Runway only in the exceptional circumstances that it is not possible to use No. 5 Runway, is being adhered to.

Mr. Rippon

The figures are not readily available. In any event, as the number of landings taking place daily on No. 1 Runway from east to west is dependent on a number of factors which vary from year to year, a comparative analysis would be meaningless.

There has never been a firm agreement with any of the residents' associations or the London Airport Consultative Committee about the use of the runways at London (Heathrow) Airport, which must be used as operational considerations dictate. Recently, greater use has had to be made of No. 1 Runway for landings because of a fault in a navigational aid on No. 5 Runway.

Mr. Harris

Is my hon. Friend aware that when No. 1 Runway is used for landings from east to west, the run-in has to begin somewhere over Kensington and there is inconvenience to a maximum number of people in London? Is he also aware that the residents' associations in Cranford and Hounslow are under the impression that there is an agreement with the Ministry that No. 5 Runway will be used wherever possible, and that No. 1 Runway will only be used in emergencies and for very short periods?

Mr. Rippon

As my hon. Friend will remember, we had a meeting with the residents' associations and local Members of Parliament, including himself, in December, 1959, when I made it clear that there never was an agreement in any formal sense, and that I could not commit the Ministry to any preferential use of runways, although it was accepted that, as far as possible, Cranford was deserving of special consideration.

Mr. Gough

Can my hon. Friend explain why the figures are not readily available for landings daily on No. 1 Runway? Surely a log is kept of all landings on the runway?

Mr. Rippon

When I say that the figures are not readily available, I mean that a lot of work would be involved sorting them out, and that work would not be very useful. These days we collect statistics rather like children used to collect cigarette cards. I am sure that I could get a set for my hon. Friend, but it would involve a lot of work.

Mr. Gough

In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of the terms of that reply, I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible date.

37. Mr. R. Harris

asked the Minister of Aviation how many jet aircraft are permitted to land and take off from London Airport between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.; and how many unauthorised take-offs and landings have taken place during these hours in the four weeks ended 8th July.

Mr. Rippon

The number of jet aircraft permitted to land between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. varies each night with the schedules and with delayed services, but in the four weeks to 8th July the average number of take-offs or landings by jet aircraft was 17 per night. During the period there were three landings for which the necessary prior permission had not been obtained. There were no unauthorised take-offs.

Mr. Harris

Will my hon. Friend ensure that when a jet aeroplane which is due to take off between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. does not take off at the time it is supposed to, it shall be required to wait until 7 a.m. instead of disturbing an enormous number of local residents who are trying to get some sleep?

Mr. Rippon

In this case permission is only normally given for a take-off up to 12 midnight if there is a delay. I do not think that this is an unreasonable provision.

Mr. Hunter

Will the Minister endeavour to keep night flying to a minimum, because it is night flying which causes great annoyance to people living round the airport? Will he impress that on the airport authorities?

Mr. Rippon

We appreciate the difficulties caused, and we do not increase night flying unless it appears to be absolutely essential for specially scheduled services.