HC Deb 26 November 1969 vol 792 cc89-90W
67. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many night flights are expected for Heathrow in 1970; and whether, in the interests of those who attempt to sleep below them, he will now eliminate them altogether.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Taking night as the period between 11.30 p.m. and 6.00 a.m., the total number of movements in 1970 is expected to be about 17,000, of which 5,800 are attributable to jet aircraft. The severe limit on jet movements at night in the period 1st April to 31st October will have remained unchanged for five years in the interests of the public. A complete ban would impose disproportionately severe penalties on airlines, travellers and the movement of freight.

Mr. Worsley

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were, respectively, the maximum and the minimum number of landings and take-offs by jet aircraft from Heathrow, London Airport during the restricted night hours in the months of April, May, June, July, August and September; and whether he will place in the Library full details of all jet aircraft movements, including types of aircraft and loadings, for the night hours during the period from April to October.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

The information is:

MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM NIGHT* LANDINGS AND TAKE-OFFS BY JET AIRCRAFT AT HEATHROW
Landings
Month Maximum Minimum
April 13 3
May 14 3
June 15 5
July 17 4
August 16 4
September 22 3

Take-Offs
Month Maximum Minimum
April 14 1
May 11 1
June 16 2
July 20 4
August 18 1
September 13 2
* Between 11.30 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. B.S.T.

The information asked for in the second part of the question is not readily available and to provide it would involve undue expenditure of time and money.