HC Deb 14 June 1967 vol 748 cc80-1W
76. Dame Irene Ward

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether expenditure on the proposed Stansted air terminus has yet been agreed; and whether contracts have yet been let.

Mr. Jay

No, to both parts of the Question on the development of Stansted as a major international airport, but some small and continuing expenditure is obviously necessary in connection with the use of the existing runway.

83. Mr. Driberg

asked the President of the Board of Trade what tests have been or are to be conducted, in connection with the proposal for the expansion of Stansted Airport, to determine the degree of danger caused by vibration from supersonic and other modern aircraft, flying low, to such ancient buildings as the parish churches of Thaxted and Tilty.

Mr. Jay

I have no reason to think that there is any danger from vibration from aircraft to ancient buildings in the Stansted area. However, in view of the importance of Thaxted Parish Church and of the local anxiety about it, I am arranging for a special assessment to be made of the likely effect on it of vibration from aircraft, with the object of introducing remedial measures should these appear to be necessary. I am prepared to consider similar action in this case of other ancient buildings of merit in the locality of Stansted, should they appear to face a real threat of material damage because of vibration from aircraft using the new airport.

84. Mr. Driberg

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish a map showing the various directions from which it is expected that aircraft would approach the expanded Stansted Airport, and in which they would depart from it together with indications of the approximate heights at which they would be passing over the principal towns and villages in the area affected.

Mr. Jay

Maps of this kind were prepared for the Stansted Public Inquiry and put in evidence there. I am sending copies to my hon. Friend.