XN000022-1995-01-25 — Page 41

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Proposal to increase programmed aircraft movements

Following is a question by Dr the Hon Yeung Sum and a reply by the Acting Secretary for Economic Services, Mrs Elizabeth Bosher, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Residents of Kowloon City, Sham Shui Po, Wong Tai Sin, Kwun Tong and Hong Kong East have long been enduring serious aircraft noise nuisance. However, the Civil Aviation Department has proposed to increase the number of programmed aircraft movements in the early morning hours and extend the programming hours at Kai Tak to 00.30 am. In connection with this, will the Government inform this Council :

(a)

(b)

(c)

of the reasons for aggravating the problem of aircraft noise nuisance on the grounds of economic benefits at a time when there is a steady growth in the territory's economy;

whether the Government will proceed with the implementation of the proposal of extending the programming hours at Kai Tak in the face of the objections from many residents living in the affected areas; and

whether the Government has made any assessment of the possible economic loss arising from the decline in the quality of life standard and productivity of residents who suffering from the noise nuisance?

Answer:

Mr President,

The Hong Kong International Airport at Kai Tak is now operating at close to capacity. In 1994, the airport handled a total throughput of over 25 million passengers and almost 1.3 million tonnes of air cargo. Air traffic demand continues to increase yet there are virtually no usable runway slots available to satisfy new demand. In the current winter scheduling season, the Civil Aviation Department has had to turn down some 300 flights per week, at considerable cost to business, the tourism industry and the Hong Kong economy as a whole.