HC Deb 08 November 1978 vol 957 cc211-2W
Mr. Hayhoe

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will continue to limit and reduce the number of aircraft movements at night at Heathrow and maintain or increase the length of the Heathrow night.

Mr. Clinton Davis

As I announced last November, movements at night of the noisier aircraft at Heathrow are being phased out completely by 1987. There will be a corresponding increase in the number of permitted movements by quieter aircraft while research into the relationship between aircraft noise and sleep disturbance is carried out. The restrictions on quieter aircraft and the definition of the night period will be reviewed in the light of the results of this research.

Mr. Hayhoe

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will arrange for night movements of aircraft at Heath row to be fairly apportioned between the main runways in accordance with a defined and public system of alternation except when safety or other vital considerations apply.

Mr. Clinton Davis

Having regard to the distribution of population close to the main runways at Heathrow, I do not think that there would be any overall environmental benefit in changing the present system of runway usage at night.