HC Deb 19 March 1969 vol 780 cc467-8
39. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the President of the Board of Trade in view of the fact that it is the policy of the British Airports Authority that there will be no significant improvement in the noise level at major airports in the next 15 years, if he will dismiss the Chairman of the Authority.

Mr. Crosland

I know of no such policy on the part of the British Airports Authority, in whose Chairman I may say that I have complete confidence. Indeed, there could be no such policy since under Section 14 of the Airports Authority Act, 1965, the control of noise at the Authority's airports rests with the Board of Trade.

Mr. Jenkins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his confidence is misplaced, and that in his evidence to the Roskill Commission the Chairman of the British Airports Authority specifically said that there would be no improvement in aircraft noise at Heathrow in the next 15 years? If this proves to be the case, will my right hon. Friend reconsider his decision, and ask himself whether such complacency on the subject of aircraft noise is not sufficient reason to raise the question whether the Chairman is fit to hold his position?

Mr. Crosland

I must take exception to what my hon. Friend has said. I know the Chairman of the British Airports Authority extremely well, as do many hon. Members on both sides. He is a most capable and dedicated public servant. He is allowed, as far as I am concerned, to express any personal views that he wishes on the question of aircraft noise, or any other subject under the sun. But I reiterate that, at the end of the day, policy on aircraft noise, as opposed to anyone's prophecies, is a matter for the Government, not for anyone else.

Sir A. V. Harvey

Is not it most regrettable that a question like this should appear on the Order Paper against a chairman of an independent authority who has rendered enormous service to this country for the last 25 years? I hope that the President of the Board of Trade will refute the allegation in the question.

Mr. Crosland

My hon. Friend is a very independent Member of this House, and he has the right to put down any Question on any subject which he chooses. My duty is simply to make it perfectly clear that I disagree with the implication of his Question and have full confidence in Mr. Masefield.

Mr. Jenkins

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to ask leave to raise the matter on the Adjournment.