§ Ann KeenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends404W to issue a consultation paper on night restrictions at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted; when he intends to publish the results on night noise contours; and if he intends to undertake further research into sleep disturbance. [32604]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonI am publishing today a consultation paper on the night restrictions for Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted Airports. We want the consultation to be as open and accessible as possible; therefore this will be a two stage process. This preliminary consultation to seek views on all aspects of the regime is the first stage. When we have considered the responses to this consultation, we will make detailed proposals for the next regime. There will then be another consultation on these proposals before a decision is made.
We believe this two stage process will help us formulate proposals to find the right balance between environmental and economic interests. Because of the need to allow time for consultees, especially representative bodies, to make their responses, this will delay the introduction of the next night restrictions regime beyond October 1998. For winter 1998–99, the movements limits and noise quotas for the three airports will be the same as they are for winter 1997–98. For summer 1999, we are inviting comments on our intention that the movements limits and noise quotas will be the same as those for summer 1998, In the light of those comments we shall then give further consideration to the movements limits and noise quotas for summer 1999. The hours of the restrictions, the system for classifying aircraft and other aspects of the regime will remain as they are at present until the new regime is introduced.
A report on night noise contours is being published today. Its main conclusion is that there is not enough research evidence at present to underpin scientifically robust night contours relating noise to annoyance. One major area that the report identifies for further investigation is the effect of sleep disturbance at the beginning and end of the night, in particular, the significance of sleep disturbance in determining annoyance. I am therefore announcing today a research trial on sleep disturbance. Its aim will be to assess methodology and analytical techniques, to determine whether to proceed to a full scale study of either sleep prevention or total sleep loss.
Copies of the consultation paper and of the report on night noise contours will be placed in the House Library. The closing date for responses to the consultation paper is 29 May 1998.