HL Deb 12 March 1970 vol 308 cc892-3

3.12 p.m.

THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what studies the Board of Trade have made prior to their announcement of changing the westerly departure route for aircraft from Heathrow as from March 5; what is the anticipated length of this experiment; and whether local authorities have been consulted on the proposal.]

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, a Board of Trade review of the minimum noise routes out of Heathrow Airport revealed a possible new route for South-bound traffic over more open country which would disturb fewer people. Instead of the route to the West of Englefield Green-Egham-Virginia Water, the new route flies over parts of Windsor Great Park-Chobham Common. A trial period for the new route started on March 5 and will continue until the end of the summer season. Local authorities were not consulted.

THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that reply, may I ask whether he can give an assurance that if the Board of Trade adopt this policy of minimum noise routes they will ensure that alternative routes are available in order to alleviate the problem? Further, in the event of an individual being severely affected, could the noble Lord say what right of objection he has, and to whom?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, in the first place these minimum noise routes have been adopted. I do not quite follow what the noble Earl is after. As to the second part of his question, the person can make representations either to the Airport Advisory Committee or to the Department of the Board of Trade.

THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, can the noble Lord advise the House whether the British Airports Authority were also consulted?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, the answer is, Yes, but the Air Traffic Control authorities are primarily concerned, and of course the airline operators.