Written question asked by Baroness May of Maidenhead (Conservative) on Wednesday, 27 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 November 2004. It was answered by Charlotte Atkins (Labour) on Monday, 8 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what studies have been undertaken to determine the noise effects of mixed mode runway operation at Heathrow. - Including ref to ERCD Report 0308: Revised Future Aircraft Noise Exposure Estimates for UK Airports, available www.dft.gov.uk and The Future of Air Transport.

Answer: Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what studies have been undertaken to determine the noise effects of mixed mode runway operation at Heathrow. [195097] Charlotte Atkins: Analysis of the noise impacts of a variety of possible mixed mode scenarios is set out in a supporting document to "The Future of Air Transport" White Paper entitled "ERCD Report 0308: Revised Future Aircraft Noise Exposure Estimates for UK Airports". This is available from DfT's website (www.dft.gov.uk). Further analysis of the potential for mixed mode operations at Heathrow is being taken forward as part of the Project for the Sustainable Development of Heathrow. "The Future of Air Transport" makes clear that further development of Heathrow will only be considered on the basis that it results in no net increase in the total area of the 57dBA noise contour compared with summer 2002 (an area of 127km2). It also commits the Government to public consultation ahead of any introduction of mixed mode operations at Heathrow.

Secondary information