§ Mr. Whitakerasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are taken against airlines which contravene height or noise limits; and how many such steps have been taken in the past year.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuAirlines which infringe height limits imposed by or under the Rules of the Air and Air Traffic Control Regulations, 1966, are liable to prosecution. There were no such prosecutions in the year ended 30th June, 1967. Airlines which infringe the Board of Trade's requirements under Section 14 of the Airports Authority Act, 1965, for limiting and mitigating the effect of noise and vibration caused by aircraft using the aerodromes owned by the British Airports Authority are requested (except when the infringement is very small) to provide a full explanation and to take steps to avoid a recurrence. In the case of persistent offenders the Board of Trade could direct the British Airports Authority to deny or limit the use of the airport by the aircraft or persons concerned, but so far this has not been found necessary. During the twelve months ended 30th June, 1967, airlines were requested to give explanations in respect of 265 infringements at Heathrow (about 0.4 per cent. of the flights monitored).