40. Mr Gresham Cookeasked the President of the Board of Trade how far complaints about aircraft noise over the Twickenham area in the last two months have been brought about by changes in runway practice, by breaches of regulations by aircraft or by weather conditions; and what steps he is taking to remedy adverse factors within his control.
§ Mr. MasonWind conditions have made it necessary for aircraft to take off to the east on an unusually high proportion of days in the last two months; some of these aircraft have to pass over Twickenham, which is not affected when the traffic flow is in the opposite direction. I am not aware of any other special factors.
41. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in the interests of noise abatement to residents, he will discourage the use by large jets of the Dover Alpha route on runways 10R and 10L at Heathrow Airport and order that the noise levels on these routes by day be reduced to those applicable between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
§ Mr. MasonWhile I am concerned to do all I can to reduce noise I do not think I would be justified in trying to give this particular route special treatment in the matter of take-off limits. I am examining the other suggestions contained in the correspondence the hon. Member has just sent me and will reply to him as soon as possible.
§ 43. Mr. John Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to reduce aircraft noise in Westminster.
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§ 45. Mr. Worsleyasked the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has to reduce aircraft noise over Central London.
§ Mr. MasonMost aircraft taking off from Heathrow are already routed to avoid Central London; approaching aircraft are never authorised to descend below 2,000 feet over this area and are often higher. Further action presents considerable difficulties but is being studied.