HC Deb 28 January 1959 vol 598 c106W
70. Sir A. V. Harvey

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what steps he is taking to hasten a solution of the noise problem of the T.U.104 at London Airport, which is delaying the start of a direct London-Moscow air service.

Mr. Watkinson

In an attempt to break the deadlock, I have made new proposals to the Soviet authorities for the inauguration of a service between London and Moscow by Aeroflot and B.E.A. If Aeroflot used their T.U.104 aircraft, for a trial period this aircraft would have to operate at London Airport in accordance with certain conditions which have been specified; these include a limitation to one runway for take-off and the use of operating techniques calculated to make no more noise in the nearest residential areas than the Comet 4 or the Boeing 707, which also operate under restrictions. The conditions might be modified for future operations in the light of observations made during the trial period.

I have also asked for an assurance that the T.U.104 conforms to internationally recognised standards of airworthiness.

I am hopeful that this initiative will meet with a positive response.