HC Deb 08 December 1966 vol 737 cc1559-60
25. Mr. Worsley

asked the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to raise the minimum permitted height for aircraft over central London.

Mr. Mason

The possibility of restricting further the descent of aircraft over central London is under continuous study but no significant changes can be made at present.

Mr. Worsley

Will the hon. Gentleman consider this question very carefully? Does he agree that there is a direct relationship between height and noise, and that glide paths over central London—referred to in his previous Answer—could be raised in order that aircraft should fly higher?

Mr. Mason

Over central London aircraft are monitored and must fly no lower than 2,000 feet. Therefore it is not a great problem. The greatest problem arises nearer the airport. When an aircraft is over central London it is much further from the point where it intercepts the proper glide path, where it becomes steeper. This question was raised at the international conference, and further studies are being carried out.

Mr. Whitaker

Will my hon. Frind have sympathy for constituents of mine—such as my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade—who live in central London at a height more than 100 feet above sea level, therefore being much nearer the level at which aircraft fly?

Mr. Mason

I shall certainly take note of that.

Mr. R. Carr

Does the Minister realise that this is a serious problem for central London and that international action of the kind referred to in an earlier Question is essential? Cannot he undertake to take action, with other Governments, to consider this problem?

Mr. Mason

That is precisely what we have done. It would be a good idea if Members who take a great interest in this matter would await the published report which will flow from this conference.