HC Deb 27 April 1966 vol 727 cc27-8W
61. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Aviation what study he is making of the noise effect of the 25 Boeing 747 Jumbo jets to be operated by Pan-American Airways, in relation to the tolerances allowed at London Airport.

Mr. Snow

The onus rests on airline operators to satisfy my Department that any new jet aircraft which they may wish to introduce at Heathrow Airport can comply with current noise limits; and they will doubtless insist on appropriate contractual safeguards from manufacturers before committing themselves to purchase.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will test for noise the Pratt and Whitney jet engines, each of 41,000 lb. of thrust, to be fitted to the Boeing 747, to see how they compare with the engines of the Boeing 707.

Mr. Snow

I shall naturally maintain an interest in the noise and other characteristics of these aircraft as information becomes available, but it is, as I indicated in reply to the hon. Member today, for prospective purchasers of this or any other aircraft to satisfy themselves, if they wish to use Heathrow, that the aircraft will comply with the limits there.