HC Deb 17 July 2003 vol 409 cc613-4W
Mr. Bellingham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment hay been made by the Department of the economic cost of removing the ban on night flights at Heathrow airport, in terms of the effect on property values on the flight path; what conclusions have been drawn; and if he will make a statement; [125820]

(2) what estimate the Department has made of the economic cost each year of continuing the ban on night flights at Heathrow imposed in 2001 in terms of its impact on the airline industry. [125821]

Mr. McNulty

There is no ban on night flights at Heathrow but, since 1962, various restrictions have been imposed on night flying, in recognition of the disturbance to some people from aircraft noise at night. The restrictions are reviewed from time to time. Details of the present restrictions are given in the consultation paper "Night Flying Restrictions at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted" which sets out our proposal to extend those restrictions until October 2005. The consultation closed on 11 July.