HL Deb 24 May 1993 vol 546 c3WA
The Earl of Munster

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will maintain present restrictions on night flying at Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted and Manchester airports until the panel of experts chaired by Professor Birgitta Berglund has reviewed the findings of the Report of a Field Study of Aircraft Noise and Sleep Disturbance recently commissioned by the Department of Transport.

The Minister of State, Department of Transport (The Earl of Caithness)

We announced proposals for revised restrictions on night flying at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted on 28th January. Comments were invited by 30th April with a view to announcing arrangements to come into force from 24th October 1993. That remains the position.

The Report of a Field Study of Aircraft Noise and Sleep Disturbance was published on 11th January. Several eminent international experts gave valuable advice during the course of the study initiated in 1990. We expect there will be considerable academic interest and debate on the subject for some time to come.

Night restrictions at Manchester are the responsibility of the airport management.