HC Deb 01 December 1966 vol 737 c611
50. Mr. Ryan

asked the President of the Board of Trade what plans exist for the medium- and long-term development of Heathrow Airport; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. Roy Mason)

The development of Heathrow is now primarily a matter for the British Airports Authority. In addition to the proposed extension of No. 1 runway, about which the B.A.A. is consulting local authorities, other planned developments include the new cargo terminal and construction of a new passenger building.

Mr. Ryan

I thank my hon. Friend for his Reply, but will he undertake to guarantee that local residents, particularly in Longford, will be consulted at each stage of the development of the No. 1 runway, which is now almost in their back gardens, on the reduction of their whole standard of living by aircraft noise?

Mr. Mason

Yes, Sir; full consultation is now taking place.

Mr. Kershaw

Will the Government not shut out of their mind the possibility of having a new airport down at the mouth of the Thames far enough away from London so that London does not suffer from the sort of noise which we now hear all the time?

Mr. Mason

That is an entirely different question.