§ 36. Mr. Norman Bowerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he is aware of the disturbance caused to the residents of South Harrow by the testing of aircraft engines at Northolt Aerodrome at night; and if he will take steps to see that this nuisance is abated.
§ Mr. LindgrenI regret that I have nothing to add to the very full replies that I have given in my recent letters to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. BowerIs the Minister aware that the noise is so bad that the people of this thickly populated area are unable to get proper sleep? Will he look into the possibility of carrying out engine testing at another aerodrome some little distance away?
§ Mr. LindgrenThis House requires the corporations to operate economically. This involves the necessity for aeroplanes to operate from their own bases. Unfortunately, aircraft are noisy instruments of transport. We are doing everything possible to mitigate the noise, but I would be misleading the House and people in the vicinity of the airport if I led them to believe that they were not likely to get considerable disturbance from both the flying and the testing of aircraft.