HC Deb 17 February 1971 vol 811 cc1823-4
25. Sir B. Rhys Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received in support of the Roskill Commission's recommendation of an inland site for a new national airport.

Mr. Peter Walker

In addition to the Early Day Motion in the name of the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Wellbeloved) and others, I have received 11 representations in favour of the Commission's recommendation.

Sir B. Rhys Williams

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that in South Kensington and other parts of central London we find the noise nuisance from aircraft travelling overhead to Heathrow well nigh intolerable? Would he take note of the fact that a substantial body of opinion is determined that the new national airport shall not be sited at Cublington?

Mr. Walker

I take note of my hon. Friend's views on the intolerable noise of South Kensington.

Mr. Driberg

Is the right hon. Gentleman quite certain that a third London airport is necessary at all? Has he studied the well-informed article in a recent issue of the Economist, by its aviation correspondent, suggesting that it may not be necessary at this time?

Mr. Walker

I have studied many articles, all supposedly well-informed and most conflicting on this topic. It is a matter which will be debated in the House and thereafter the Government will reach their decision.

26. Sir B. Rhys Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what study he has given to the choice of an estuary site for a new national airport.

Mr. Peter Walker

This possibility will be taken into account in the Government's study of the Roskill Commission's Report.

Sir B. Rhys Williams

Would my right hon. Friend give most serious and open-minded consideration to the possibility of siting the new national airport on Severnside?

Mr. Walker

We shall give the most careful consideration to all the possibilities.

Mr. Allason

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it would be perfectly possible to put runways at Foulness considerably further away from Kent, thus obviating one of the main objections to Foulness, which is the disturbance to Kent?

Mr. Walker

I note my hon. Friend's comments.