HC Deb 15 November 1954 vol 533 cc23-5
38. Mr. Warbey

asked the Minister of Supply what financial or other encouragement he is giving, or proposes to give, to accelerate the use by aircraft firms of noise suppression equipment.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I am continuing to encourage the important research programme, details of which were given in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Buckinghamshire, South (Mr. R. Bell) and the hon. Member for Uxbridge (Mr. Beswick) on 28th June. Letters were addressed some time ago to all manufacturers concerned, stressing their responsibilities to the public and asking them to review all measures for mitigating disturbance to the public. I have decided that the appropriate way for me to contribute is by expenditure on research estimated at about £100,000 this year.

Mr. Warbey

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the noise from engines under test is literally nerve-racking for workers and residents in Hucknall and other areas affected, and will he appreciate that if firms are to be encouraged to fit noise suppression equipment some financial assistance from the Government may be required?

Mr. Lloyd

I think the appropriate way for the Government to help is by pushing on with this fairly substantial research programme. I am not satisfied that the installation of noise suppression equipment should depend on financial assistance from the Government.

Mr. A. Henderson

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say what progress has been made by this research?

Mr. Lloyd

I am told it is hoped that it will be possible reasonably soon to establish the kind of equipment which will mitigate the nuisance.

39. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware of the excessive noise caused by the testing of jet engines at the Ansty Aerodrome, near Coventry; and what steps he is taking to obviate this nuisance to residents in the neighbouring villages.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

This matter has been discussed with Messrs. Armstrong Siddeley, who own this airfield, and I understand that they have measures in hand to improve sound reduction arrangements in engine test houses at the aerodrome.

Mr. Johnson

Is the Minister aware that many of my constituents are losing sleep because of this noise, which is fantastic? Even the cows are complaining—they are giving less milk in this neighbourhood—and will he impress on this firm the necessity of lessening noise in this factory?

Mr. Lloyd

I quite understand the point the hon. Gentleman is making, including the agricultural implications, and I understand that improvement may be expected next month.

Mr. Edelman

Will the Minister bear in mind that this has been a long-standing grievance in Coventry, which is the home of jet engines, and will he contact the firm of Armstrong Siddeley and ask them to pay special attention to the testing of jet engines in the factory itself, as the noise is causing great inconvenience to those who live in the vicinity.

Mr. Lloyd

That is another matter to the Question on the Order Paper, but I will certainly take it into account.