HC Deb 05 July 1988 vol 136 cc530-1W
Mr. Baldry

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the recent noise testing carried out by the Royal Air Force institute of community health at Dr. Ratcliffe's school, Steeple Aston: and if he will publish the results in theOfficial Report;

(2) if in thelight of the results of the recent noise testing carried out at Dr. Ratcliffe's school, Steeple Aston, he will issue instructions to prevent airplanes from Royal Air Force Upper Heyford taking off directly over Steeple Aston.

Mr. Freeman

[pursuant to his reply, 16 June 1988, c. 224]: I have decided that in the light of local concern following the change in fine-weather take-off patterns at RAF Upper Heyford, the full noise survey planned for the autumn should be brought forward to the second half of July. This will enable us to evaluate objectively possible alternative operating patterns aimed at diminishing the disturbance to the local community, while maintaining the safety margins of the flying operations. In advance of this survey I have agreed in principle that, exceptionally, my Department will be prepared to meet the cost of providing sound insulation for the Dr. Ratcliffe school at Steeple Aston.