§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the air corporations, with the British Airline Pilots' Association and the Civil 184W Aviation Authority about the two-segment aircraft landing approach as a means of reducing aircraft noise; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OnslowThere have not been any recent discussions with the air corporations or with the Civil Aviation Authority. The British Airline Pilots Association was given an assurance in April last that the technique would not be introduced without full prior consultation. The technique has been explored experimentally in the United States of America and in this country. The results show that though it might offer a reduction in noise in certain areas it causes increased noise near the airport and otherwise gives rise to considerable difficulty from the safety and technical point of view.