§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make 425W a sttaement on the Government's policy in respect of night flights into Heathrow; and what representations he has received on such flights. [20939]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe policy of successive Governments in setting night restrictions has been to strike a balance between the interests of local people and those of the aviation industry, users and the wider economy. When the current regime of night flying restrictions at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted was introduced it was envisaged that it would run until October 1998. The Department has received representations from both sides of the debate in recent months. I intend to publish a consultation paper on the subject early in the New Year.