HC Deb 23 June 1977 vol 933 c560W
Mr. Sandelson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement about the progress of the trial of new noise abatement approach procedures at Heathrow.

Mr. Clinton Davis

The trial began on 30th December last year, and was intended to last for six months. However, in order to obtain more experience, particularly over the peak summer period, it has been decided to extend the trial until 31st March 1978 and, as far as is practicable, to aircraft approaching from the west. During that period a report will be made on the trial and a decision made on whether the revised air traffic control procedures can be confirmed as the standard method of operation.