HC Deb 24 January 1983 vol 35 cc649-50
8. Mr.Greenway

asked the Minister of Trade if he will hold local consultations concerning the level of aircraft noise in Ealing and west London; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sproat

No, Sir. Adequate consultation facilities already exist through the Heathrow airport consultative committee. I am satisfied that the interests of all those affected by aircraft noise in Ealing and west London are adequately represented.

Mr. Greenway

Is my hon. Friend aware of the continual and severe suffering of my constituents from aircraft noise, including military and civil helicopter noise and pollution? May I ask him to use all his best efforts to reduce it? Is my hon. Friend aware of any plans for an expanded use of Northolt airport for civil aircraft? Is he aware that the community would be opposed to such an expansion?

Mr. Sproat

With regard to the first part of my hon. Friend's question, his constituents could not have a doughtier fighter in their cause than himself. I shall certainly do everything that I can. With regard to Northolt, that is a question for my right hon. and hon Friends at the Ministry of Defence, but I can tell my hon. Friend that consultations are going on between them and the British Airports Authority and its chairman, Mr. Payne, with regard to business aviation.

Mr. Jay

Could not the Government at least assist the people of west London by not building a fifth terminal at Heathrow airport?

Mr. Sproat

The right hon. Gentleman has been a member of the House long enough to know that it would be improper for me to make any further comments about the fifth terminal at Heathrow while the present inquiry continues.

Mr. Haselhurst

Can my hon. Friend confirm that, with the introduction of the Boeing 757 into service next month, another step will be taken in the direction of diminution of noise in the vicinity of Heathrow?

Mr. Sproat

That is a good point. There is no doubt that the newer generations of aircraft are much quieter. This will have a profound effect on the problems mentioned by my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, North (Mr. Greenway).