HC Deb 10 June 1974 vol 874 cc1218-9
21. Mr. Allason

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the percentage increase in air passenger transport movements at Luton Airport in 1973 over 1970 and 1971, respectively.

Mr. Clinton Davis

On the basis of the figures I gave the hon. Member in my reply of 7th May, the percentage increases in commercial air transport movements at Luton Airport in 1973 over 1970 and 1971 were about 37-5 and 10 respectively.—[Vol 873, c. 141.]

Mr. Allason

Does the Under-Secretary of State recollect that at the Luton public inquiry in 1972 the inspector said that the 1971 figures for aircraft noise were excessive? Therefore, with a 10 per cent. increase in traffic, they will be even more unacceptable. What are the Government doing to reduce air traffic pollution, which is causing so much misery to people around Luton?

Mr. Davis

The question of a breach or otherwise of an undertaking given by Luton Corporation is a matter not for my Department but for the Department of the Environment. My right hon. Friend wrote to the hon. Gentleman on 7th June offering a meeting to discuss these matters, in the hope that some of the difficulties and complexities which have arisen, perhaps due to misunderstanding, can be erased.

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