§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those military airfields in the United Kingdom at which mandatory noise abatement procedures are in force for aircraft during(a) approach/landing and (b) take-off.
§ Mr. HanleyThere are no mandatory noise abatement procedures in force at military airfields in the United Kingdom. The Department does, however, have in place extensive measures to minimise the disturbance from aircraft around military airfields, subject to the limitations imposed by the need to maintain operational capability. These measures include extensive sound insulation and compensation schemes and controls on the ground running of engines. These voluntary measures are also followed at United States Air Force (USAF) bases in the United Kingdom. The MoD and USAF keep their operating procedures under constant review and remain committed to minimising the impact of their activity on the general public and to maintaining good relations with their neighbours and local amenities.