HC Deb 25 March 1970 vol 798 cc1409-10
9. Mr. Hordern

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give an assurance that the number of night flights from Gatwick will not exceed the number of night flights from Heathrow in 1971.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

The number of night movements at Gatwick are likely to be much less than at Heathrow both during the summer and during the whole of 1971. The numbers of jet movements only will depend upon the restrictions imposed at both airports in the summer of 1971.

Mr. Hordern

The Minister is aware that I was referring to jet night movements in 1971. Why should people who live near Gatwick have to suffer from jet night movements more than people who live near Heathrow? When will the Minister be able to give a firm date for the number of jet night movements from Gatwick in 1971?

Mr. Roberts

As the hon. Member knows, I have put in hand a review which will come to a conclusion about the number of night jet movements from Gatwick which should be allowed from 1971 onwards. Heathrow, as the Wilson Committee recognised, is unique in the number of its users and the number of people affected by flights to and from it.

Mr. Rankin

Will my right hon. Friend pledge himself to resist all attempts to restrict the expansion of Britain's air services?

Mr. Roberts

I pledge myself only to keep in proper balance the national need for air services and the needs of amenity. Both must be considered. I hope that the review which I have put in hand will give us a pilot scheme on which to base any decisions that may be required at other airports.

Mr. Hordern

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.