HC Deb 04 December 1972 vol 847 cc885-7
8. Mr. Barnes

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many aircraft movements there were during 1971 in and out of Heathrow; how many he estimates there will be in 1980; and what estimate he has made of the effect that the opening of Maplin will have on traffic at Heathrow.

The Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Mr. Cranley Onslow)

In the year ended 31st March 1972 there were 253,711 air transport movements at Heathrow. By 1980 the number is estimated to rise to about 325,000. After the opening of Maplin it will be possible to impose stricter limits on air traffic movements both at Heathrow and Gatwick, but it is too early to say what these will be.

Mr. Barnes

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the view, which is being put forward in certain quarters, that a third London airport is not really needed is very unrealistic? Is it not the case that the problem of aircraft noise will be intolerable enough in the years immediately before Maplin becomes operational, especially for people living around Heathrow, let alone what it will be like if Maplin is not built?

Mr. Onslow

The Government have made it clear that they see a need for a third London airport, and measures are going ahead to make this available. On the second point, I would not necessarily accept that this increase in movements will bring about a directly proportionate increase in the amount of disturbance. There is much encouragement to be derived from the fact that new, quieter types of aircraft will be coming into service at Heathrow in increasing numbers.

Mr. Jessel

Does my hon. Friend foresee that any remaining really noisy types of aircraft still in service when Maplin opens can be directed through Maplin instead of through Heathrow, where there is a far larger number of people living in the surrounding area?

Mr. Onslow

It is too early to take firm decisions about the pattern of air traffic movements in 1980.

Mr. Mason

Since larger aircraft are being introduced which may necessitate less movement, and since quieter aircraft engines are now being introduced, plus the added development of the RB211 which is under experiment and which will halve the present noise of the RB211 when it is fitted in Tristars, is not the hon. Gentleman aware that technology seems to be advancing far more rapidly than the need for Maplin? Should not the Government reconsider whether it is necessary to embark upon expenditure of at least £1,000 million when technology is rapidly overtaking that development.

Mr. Onslow

The right hon. Gentleman is getting a little confused between advances in engineering and quitening engines and the need for runways of conventional length.