HC Deb 14 June 1967 vol 748 c560
45. Mr. Worsley

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement about the increased use of cross-runways at London Airport (Heathrow).

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

It is doubtful whether greater use of the north-east/ south-west runways at Heathrow would make any significant overall reduction in noise disturbance, but investigations into this complex matter are continuing and should be completed shortly.

Mr. Worsley

Will the hon. Gentleman pursue these investigations with energy? The great majority of flights into London Airport (Heathrow) come over the centre of London causing the maximum annoyance to the maximum number of people. Would it not help to abate aircraft noise by using these other runways?

Mr. Mallalieu

That statement is not strictly accurate. If we used the cross-runways I am sure we would be shifting some of the burdon on to Ealing and Southall and other places. We are trying to find the best way of dealing with this problem.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

Is not the only solution to the problem to remove the bulk of aircraft landing to a place other than London (Heathrow)—preferably not Stansted?