§ Mr. ColmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he has made a decision on the proposals for changes to the preferential use of Heathrow's runways at night; and if he will make a statement. [144168]
§ Mr. MullinI have concluded that it would not be fair and equitable to maintain the current Westerly Preference at night. It would be irrational to maintain in operation a noise mitigation measure that no longer serves the purpose for which it was originally intended. Indeed, it now has the perverse effect at night of adding to the sum of the disturbance that may be caused.
It makes no sense for the Westerly Preference to be operated at times when there are few or no take-offs, because it does not serve as a noise mitigating measure, and it is incompatible with the Government's aim to minimise the impact of the airport on the local environment.
I have considered carefully the arguments put forward for introducing and easterly preference at night, because I recognise this would provide the greatest benefit to the greatest number of people, but it would not provide a fair and equitable outcome. Everyone, whether they live in a densely populated area or otherwise, is entitled to the same consideration and respect.
I have decided that the current Westerly Preference should be replaced at night by a weekly rotation between westerly and easterly operations whenever weather conditions permit.
I expect the new arrangements will be introduced in the spring, but full implementation will not be possible until the completion of runway resurfacing work in 2002–03.
No changes are being made to the night restrictions regime introduced in 1999.