HC Deb 22 October 1973 vol 861 cc666-7
1. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, having regard to the drag characteristics on landing of Concorde, he will estimate the exclusions from the mean landing noise at the standard ICAO measuring point of production models of Concorde compared with the 707, DC8 and VC10 in (a) still air conditions, and (b) gusty conditions.

The Minister for Aerospace and Shipping (Mr. Michael Heseltine)

The variations from the mean of Concorde's landing noise will be similar to those of subsonic aircraft in comparable conditions.

Mr. Jenkins

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that statement is not supported by expert opinion on the landing characteristics of Concorde? Will he apply to Concorde landings at Heathrow—if Concorde lands at Heathrow—the same restrictions as already apply to subsonic aircraft? If he applies such restrictions, does he realise that Concorde will not be able to land at Heathrow, and if this is not done, will it not put in question the desirability of the aircraft?

Mr. Heseltine

I think that the hon. Gentleman does not envisage the possibility that Concorde will not be allowed to land at Heathrow. In its prototype form it has already landed at Heathrow, and the latest version of Concorde, the 002—which, as the hon. Gentleman knows, is flying—is substantially quieter than the earlier prototype. As to existing restrictions which may or may not apply to Heathrow at the time Concorde enters service, we shall have to consider the situation then.

Mr. Marten

Is my hon. Friend aware that when Concorde went to Washington—I was there at the time—it was a great success, and it confirmed many people's view that it would get plenty of American orders?

Mr. Heseltine

My hon. Friend is absolutely right; the visit to America was extremely successful. I find it surprising, as, I am sure, do many thousands of others, that this is such a source of grave disappointment to hon. Members opposite.

Mr. Mason

As the Minister knows, the 707s, DC8s and VC10s will be old aircraft when Concorde comes into service. Concorde is noticeably noisier. Will the Minister explain how the commercial types of Concorde will prove to be less noisy than the aircraft which I have just mentioned, which will be phased out at that time?

Mr. Heseltine

I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman had plenty of time to consider this matter when he was responsible for these problems as a member of his Government. The design of Concorde was frozen in 1966. At that time, the latest technologies which were enabling quieter aircraft to come forward were not anticipated, and that is why Concorde is not as quiet as some of the most quiet aircraft now coming into service. But it is as quiet as the 707s, DC8s and VC10s, many of which will still be in service well past the time when Concorde enters service.