HC Deb 03 May 1968 vol 763 cc261-2W
Mr. Higgins

asked the President of the Board of Trade what changes have been made in international air routes over Worthing during the last year; what is the width of the traffic lanes now being used and the minimum height at which aircraft using the traffic lanes are allowed to fly when crossing the coast.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

On 5th April, 1968, a new airway came into operation, covering the area between Brighton and Littlehampton and contiguous with an existing airway to the east. Aircraft passing over the coast within five miles of Worthing should not be below 6,500 ft. and normally will be much higher.

Mr. Higgins

asked the President of the Board of Trade what considerations led him to approve the re-routing of aircraft on international flights over Worthing, rather than over less densely populated parts of the coast; what publicity was given to proposed changes before a decision was made; and what consultation he had to ascertain the views of those likely to be affected by increased aircraft noise.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

The increasing volume of traffic at Heathrow and Gatwick has necessitated the westward extension of the London Terminal Area, and consequently the broadening of the airway band crossing the south coast. The general effect is, therefore, not to concentrate traffic over any one place but to spread it more widely. The new routing was fully discussed with representatives of all the flying interests concerned, and the noise implications were throughly examined.

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