§ 74. Mr. A. Royleasked the President of the Board of Trade how many aircraft have flown below the correct height on the glidepath into London Airport when approaching from the east during the past four weeks; if he is aware that some aircraft are increasing power to gain height over Barnes and Richmond; and what action he is taking to reduce the excessive aircraft noise caused to residents living beneath the glidepath.
§ Mr. William RodgersSample monitoring of aircraft height on approach to land at Heathrow revealed no departure from the correct height on the glideslope in the four weeks ended 12th July. If the hon. Member would supply details of any case where engine power is increased to gain height over Barnes and Richmond, I shall arrange for an investigation. We shall continue to do all that we reasonably can to minimise disturbance.
§ Mr. Rankinasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in dealing with the problem of aircraft noise, he will make it his policy to assist the developmen of technology to silence engines rather than to site airports at long distances from cities.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe restriction of disturbance caused by aircraft calls for a variety of measures. The aircraft noise certification scheme, on which we are working with other countries, is designed to ensure the progressive introduction to airline service of the much quieter engines that recent technological research makes possible, and also to encourage further research. Nevertheless the siting of future airports must take account of this problem, as well as the convenience of the travelling public.