HC Deb 11 June 1956 vol 554 cc17-8
22. Mr. Hunter

asked the Minister of Supply, in view of the success in deadening noise of the new silencer pen fitted on a Javelin jet fighter, what further progress has been made by his Research Department in abating noise on airliners ordered by his Department.

Mr. Maudling

I hope we shall have available a ground running silencer towards the end of next year which will be suitable for the larger type of jet airliner. Noise reduction in flight is a more complex problem, and we have not yet found the final answer to this. Work on various types of jet nozzles, however, offers a promise of an appreciable reduction in noise, and this work is continuing.

Mr. Hunter

While thanking' the Minister for his reply, may I ask him to pay special attention to this problem, because noise abatement is very important to those residents living near airports?

Mr. Maudling

I think the hon. Member will see from my reply that we hope to have a silencer available for large jet airliners before large jets start operating regularly from our airports.