§ Mr. Kenneth BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many night flights at Gatwick were made in the past year by aircraft which are at present except from the restrictions but which will in future come within the quota;
(2) how many night flights will be permitted at Gatwick in the winter of 1993–94 and summer 1994 under the new quota system announced on 6 July, excluding aircraft which are at present exempt and assuming that airlines use the same mix of aircraft as in the past year.
§ Mr. Norris[holding answer 19 July 1993]: More data on aircraft type, engine fit and maximum certificated landing and take-off weights are required to classify aircraft under the new night restrictions system than under the present regime. Not all these data are available for past movements, particularly for currently exempt aircraft, so only estimates can be given.
The new summer quota of 9,550 for Gatwick would translate into about 6,250 movements by all aircraft which will count against the quota including those previously exempt. As stated in answer to my right hon. Friend on 10 March at column 567, the assumption that the mix of traffic at night in the winter season will remain unchanged over the five-year period of the new restrictions is unlikely, but no substantial changes are expected in winter 1993–94. It is estimated that the winter quota of 6,820, if fully used, will translate into between 2,800 and. 4,450 movements by all aircraft that will count against the quota depending on the build-up between scheduled and charter services. The quota is unlikely to be fully used in the winter 1993–94 season.
Our announcement of new restrictions on 6 July at columns 71–73 recognised the concern of those living around airports by introducing the QC½ category. This limits movements of aircraft outside the quota to those very quiet, smaller aircraft which are already exempt. Many aircraft that were exempt will now count against the quota.
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