§ Mr. Hayhoeasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what will be the effect on the pattern of aircraft noise of work on the runways planned to take place at Heathrow Airport later this year.
§ Mr. OnslowEssential resurfacing of Heathrow's southern runway will involve its closure between 2100 hours and 0800 hours every night from May-September inclusive. This will inevitably cause a change in the pattern of noise, but all possible steps will be taken to reduce the effect. The British Airports Authority will shortly be announcing full details of the work programme. A decision on the question of resurfacing the northern runway next summer will be taken by the authority later this year.