§ 30. Mr. Allasonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to prevent the constant overflying of Berkhamsted from Luton Airport, contrary to flight instructions.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantLuton Corporation, with the advice of the Department, has devised a minimum noise routeing which, when closely followed, avoids Berkhamsted. Small deviations, how 28 ever, can give rise to complaints and such deviations cannot be accurately monitored with current radars. Consideration is being given to the provision of a navigation beacon to assist compliance but there are technical and amenity problems to be overcome.
§ Mr. AllasonIs my hon. Friend aware that when complaints are made to Luton about deviation from flight paths they are treated practically with contempt? Is it not time that the Luton Airport Consultative Committee had some teeth so that the Luton Corporation might be required to take notice of complaints?
§ Mr. GrantI am sorry to hear that that has been my hon. Friend's experience. I can understand his anxiety. No doubt what he says will be noticed by the authorities. However, the prescribed route which the airlines have agreed to attempt to follow in the interests of amenity involves three changes of direction in quick succession. If any change in the procedure or in routes is suggested, it is for the Luton Corporation to initiate it. I will convey what my hon. Friend said to that body.