HC Deb 13 November 1972 vol 846 cc27-8
22. Mr. Jessel

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on approximately what date he expects to receive the advice he has requested from the Noise Advisory Council concerning aircraft flight paths around Heathrow airport.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

The council was only asked to carry out this work in October, 1972, and it is much too early to start setting a time-scale as it assesses the scale of the problem that confronts it.

Mr. Jessel

Will my hon. Friend ask the Noise Advisory Council to consider the extent of the suffering caused by aircraft noises to the south-east of Heathrow when there are long bouts of east wind necessitating eastbound take-offs for an exceptionally large proportion of those days? Will he ask the council in this context to take another look at the concept of minimum noise routes?

Mr. Heseltine

It must, of course, in the first instance be for the Noise Advisory Council to determine its own way of carrying out its work, but I will bring to its attention the questions my hon. Friend has put to me. I will take a personal interest in meeting the council and seeing that within the framework of doing the job as effectively as it must be done, it is done with despatch as fast as possible.

30. Mr. Allason

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consideration he has given to moving the positions of noise monitoring equipment at airports.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

Monitoring systems at airports where my right hon. Friend has responsibility for noise measures are continually under review.

Mr. Allason

In the light of the statement recently made by the Guild of Air Traffic Control Officers that aircraft are being deliberately throttled back only over noise measuring points, does not that raise two aspects: first, that aircraft are being flown in contravention of minimum noise procedures; and second, that aircraft must be taking off at dangerous weights if it is dangerous for them to throttle back at any time during their climb? Should not my hon. Friend hold an inquiry into this matter?

Mr. Heseltine

Naturally I was aware of the allegations made by the Guild of Air Traffic Controllers. However, I understand that the suggestions are without foundation

Mr. Robert Hughes

Will the hon. Gentleman arrange for sound monitoring equipment to be placed, for example, at Dyce airport to see whether the increased noise levels can be included for consideration under the development of air compensation policy?

Mr. Heseltine

If the hon. Gentleman cares to put down a Question to me on that specific point, I shall answer it fully.