§ 1. Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the President of the Board of Trade why he informed the hon. Member for Wandsworth, Putney that at London Airport, Heathrow, between April and September, 1966, there were 8,991 night landings on runways 28R and 28L alone; and why these flights were permitted, in view of the official limitation of 3,500 night landings in this period.
§ The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu)The total of 8,991 includes both jet and non-jet aircraft landing between midnight and 0800 G.M.T. The summer limit of 3,550 night movements related to jet aircraft only between 2330 and 0600 local time from 1st April to 31st October.
§ Mr. JenkinsIs it not unsatisfactory that figures should be given which are not reconcilable with one another so that, as a result of the information given, people can come to a wrong conclusion about what is being done? Second, ought not my hon. Friend to make these limitations much more effective, and, further, will he ensure that the limitations are carried on next year on no less stringent a basis?
§ Mr. MallalieuProvided that it is understood that one figure is the total and the other is for jets, there should be no confusion. The reason for the distinction is that, on the whole, non-jet aircraft are less noisy than jets. We are considering what is to happen next year.