HC Deb 04 July 1956 vol 555 cc1314-5
25. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the Gloster Aircraft Company have developed a detuner which reduces considerably the sound of jet engines being ground tested; and whether he will investigate the possibility of producing a version suitable for use on Royal Air Force stations at which jet aircraft are ground tested.

Mr. Birch

I understand that this detuner is similar in principle to others already in use. Research and development in the reduction of aircraft noise is the concern of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply, and we shall of course keep in touch with what progress is made.

Mr. de Freitas

Although that is the concern of the Minister of Supply, is it not a fact that it is R.A.F. airfields about which the public complain from time to time? Will the right hon. Gentleman do everything he can to speed up this research so that the R.A.F. will not be blamed for these noises in the countryside?

Mr. Birch

We shall be as quiet as we can.