§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what research his Department has undertaken into the impact on individuals of loss of sleep owing to aircraft noise in the vicinity of Heathrow; and if he will place a copy of the results in the Library; [146421]
(2) what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the noise from aircraft approaching Heathrow to land between 11.30 pm and 6 am on residents in (a) London and (b) Berkshire. [146420]
§ Mr. MullinThe former Department of Transport published, in December 1992, the "Report of a Field Study of Aircraft Noise and Sleep Disturbance". This study, which was conducted by a consortium led by the CAA's Department of Safety, Environment and Engineering (now the Environment Research and Consultancy Department, ERCD), was and remains to date the largest survey of its kind in the UK. The survey sites were near Heathrow (Hounslow and Stanwell Moor), Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted airports. Sleep disturbances were detected using actimetry, the validity of which was corroborated using electro-encephalography (EEG). It was found that noise events below 90dBA SEL (equivalent to about 80dB A Lmax) were unlikely to affect average sleep disturbance rates, while events noisier than this gave a mean probability of disturbance of about one in 75, with a range of individual sensitivities around this average.
Based upon these results, illustrative estimates of disturbances owing to aircraft noise events between 11.30 pm and 6.00 am were included at paragraphs 1.37–1.39 of the Department's Second Stage Consultation on the night restrictions at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, dated 463W November 1998. These broad estimates, and the assumptions on which they rely, are carefully explained in the consultation document.
A limitation of the 1992 study, recognised at the time, was that it was unable thoroughly to examine disturbance at the onset of sleep and at final awakening. Also, the results provided
no evidence to suggest that aircraft noise is likely to cause harmful after effectsbut the study could not explore this issue exhaustively. In 1998 we announced that we would commission a trial study of sleep disturbance to help inform a decision whether to proceed with a full scale study which would examine, "inter alia", the question of sleep loss and possible after-effects. In the light of advice from a steering group and technical group established to advise on this work, we also commissioned a social survey of attitudes towards aircraft noise at night. These studies have been conducted by consortiums led respectively by Dr. Ian Flindell of the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research and Prof Ian Diamond of the Department of Social Statistics, both at the University of Southampton. They will be published shortly and I shall ensure that copies are placed in the House Library.
§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has undertaken into the economic benefits of night flights landing at Heathrow during the period from 11.30 pm. to 6 am. [146422]
§ Mr. MullinThe current night flying restrictions applying at Heathrow (and Gatwick and Stansted) were announced on 10 June 1999,Official Report, columns 378–80W, following extensive consultation. They came into effect on 31 October 1999. Consultation papers were issued on 27 February 1998 and on 17 November 1998. Copies of both were placed in the House Library. As stated in the second consultation paper,
The Government has not attempted to quantify the aviation and economic benefits of night flights in monetary terms or to draw up a balance-sheet including the environmental disbenefits.The Government went on to explain, in paragraphs 1.48–1.57 of the paper, the advice given on this subject in a report submitted by the British Air Transport Association (BATA) in response to the first consultation, and the Government's own approach to the subject. The decision announced on 10 June 1999 reflected the reasoning set out in the second consultation paper and the responses to it.
§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what initiatives his Department will be taking as part of the Government's National Noise Strategy to reduce the impact of night flights by civil aviation on those living in rural areas under flight paths. [146425]
§ Mr. MullinThe Government intend to consult on a National Ambient Noise Strategy later this year, seeking views on how best to develop more effective and better integrated measures for tackling the impact of ambient noise from all the main sources. While the development of the Strategy is underway, we will continue to pursue policies at national and international level to reduce the impact of aircraft noise.