§ 32. Mr. Allasonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will ban the take-off and landing of charter jet flights in Great Britain between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantNo, Sir.
§ Mr. AllasonDoes my hon. Friend recognise the severe hardship which has to be endured by those living underneath the flight paths and the ever-increasing amount of night jet traffic? Has he no intentions of restricting night jet traffic?
§ Mr. GrantI recognise this very well. I also recognise the vigour with which my hon. Friend has pursued this matter on behalf of his constituents. He will understand that our powers are very limited. We have powers over aerodromes managed by the British Airports Authority but not over those operated by local authorities, as in this case. I know that Luton Corporation is conducting inquiries into noise levels, and I hope that something that will be of satisfaction, not only to the residents of my hon. Friend's constituency, but also to those who want to travel by air, will be achieved fairly soon.
§ Mr. CrowderIs my hon. Friend aware of the very difficult situation which has been created in Hertfordshire by the action of Luton Corporation? Does my hon. Friend realise that countless people are being kept awake night after night by package tours? Will my hon. Friend take powers to do something about it, because we are the Government and it is our duty to do it?
§ Mr. GrantI understand that only too well. I am sure that Luton Corporation understands it only too well also. My hon. Friend will understand that we must maintain a balance between the question of aircraft noise, which is a very difficult problem, and the necessity of enabling people to fly by aeroplane.