§ Mr. HammondTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the review of operations at Heathrow to establish the practicality and impact of mixed mode operation will include a review of existing noise preferential departure routes. [161368]
§ Mr. McNultyThe further work announced in "The Future Development of Air Transport White Paper", which includes consideration of how to make the most of Heathrow's existing two runways, may involve review of some existing noise preferential departure routes, but the extent to which this may be necessary will only become clear as the work proceeds. Noise preferential routes may in future need to be reviewed in any event in the light of the "Single Sky" proposals. Any changes which might have a significant effect on the level or distribution of noise and emissions would require prior consultation.