HC Deb 18 October 1976 vol 917 cc938-40
16. Mr. Jessel

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what action he intends to take to reduce aircraft noise around Heathrow in 1977.

Mr. Clinton Davis

Throughout 1977, as in previous years, we shall continue our policy of taking all practicable steps to reduce noise disturbance in the vicinity of Heathrow through the continued application of the various noise abatement measures already applied there. As the hon. Member knows, we keep these measures under constant review and will take advantage of any opportunity of improving on them.

Mr. Jessel

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his decision not to allow British Airways any increase in the number of night flights will be warmly welcomed in my constituency? What progress has been made with the introduction of quieter aircraft engines, and, in particular, what improvements can be expected from the current figure of 18 per cent. for noise certificated aircraft for 1977 and thereafter?

Mr. Davis

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his observation about night flights. The restrictions are not limited to British Airways. On our present estimates, the current proportion of noise certificated air transport movements for quieter aircraft represents about 18 per cent. at Heathrow, and this will rise to about 30 per cent. by about 1980 and 55 per cent. by 1985. We estimate that by 1990 virtually all traffic movements will be by noise certificated aircraft. Considerable progress is being made. This is evidenced by the purchase of substantial numbers of the larger, quieter-engined aircraft.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

is my hon. Friend aware that there is considerable disquiet in the constituencies around Heathrow not only at the current extensions of Heathrow but at the fact that even further extensions are being contemplated? Is he further aware that Heathrow is peculiarly unfortunately situated in that, for two-thirds of the time, all aircraft arriving fly over heavily populated areas? In view of the safety factor, quite apart from anything else, if there are to be any further extensions of London airports, they should be made at airports other than Heathrow.

Mr. Davis

I hope that my hon. Friend who represents a constituency close to Heathrow, will engage in the process of consultation about the future rôle not only of Heathrow but of other airports in the country which is already being undertaken.

Mr. Ronald Bell

What stage has this process of consultation, which the hon. Gentleman initiated this summer, now reached? When is the next stage, which I believe is consultation with hon. Members concerned, likely to take place?

Mr. Davis

We have already had a number of meetings between my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Environment and myself and various bodies, and we hope that these will be continued. I hope that we shall have an intensified process of consultation in the next few weeks and months. We hope that hon. Members will communicate with the Department either as groups representing different areas of the country or as individuals to engage in the process of consultation, but so far as I am aware no such approach has yet been made.

Mr. Molloy

is my hon. Friend aware that those of us with constituencies near Heathrow, which on occasions suffer abominably from the noise of aircraft, are appreciative of the efforts he has made over the past 12 months in trying to reduce the noise? Will he now concentrate on the fact that during the inclement weather there is a change of route, when aircraft fly very low indeed, particularly over the London borough of Ealing? Notwithstanding my hon. Friend's efforts, I have received very many complaints, and—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman has received complaints. I feel like making some myself. Will he now come to the point?

Mr. Molloy

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is disturbing particularly to shift workers and to police officers, for example, who are on various duties? My list of complaints is rising, and I ask my hon. Friend to take these factors into account.

Mr. Davis

I appreciate my hon. Friend's compliment, as, indeed, I appreciate compliments from anyone. The Civil Aviation Authority has been asked to look into the factors involved in reducing the proportion of easterly landings and take-offs, and if a change should prove practicable there will be full consultation with the representatives of all those living around the airport.