§ 29. Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether his Department's inquiry into the M notice procedure has yet been completed; and whether he will take wider statutory powers to make such advisory notices mandatory on United Kingdom merchant shipping.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisMy Department completed its internal investigation into M notice procedures last summer and consultation with both sides of industry began in September. It is intended to make more of those matters covered by
34Wthree months for which figures are available exceeded the noise limits laid down; and which aircraft were the worst offenders;
(2) how many take-offs from Heathrow during the last three months for which figures are available exceeded the specified noise limits; and which aircraft and airlines were the worst offenders.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisIn the last three months of 1975 there were 28,662 jet take-offs from Heathrow of which 945, 3.29 per cent., exceeded the permitted noise levels. The airlines and types of aircraft which infringed on the greatest number of occasions are shown in the following table:
our M notices mandatory once the necessary legislative powers are available.
§ 34. Mr. Stottasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he can now say when the Government intend to ratify the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea 1974; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisAs soon as a Merchant Shipping Act provides me with the necessary legislative powers.