HC Deb 05 November 1958 vol 594 c937
34. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what further information he has received from the Soviet authorities about the reduction of the noise level of the TU.104 aircraft.

Mr. Neave

I understand that the Soviet authorities have so far been unable to reduce the noise of the TU.104 by means of a sound suppressor. They have, however, recently provided information on techniques of operation which they claim will reduce the noise to that of existing piston-engined aircraft. The effectiveness of these techniques is now under consideration.

Mr. Rankin

Would the Minister, on his part, be prepared to accept for the TU.104 the noise level that he has just enunciated for the Boeing aircraft, and the Comet?

Mr. Neave

Though we do not feel that the TU.104 will be able to meet conditions exactly comparable with those met by the Boeing 707 and the Comet IV, we are very anxious to see the service to Moscow started as soon as possible. The Russians are well aware of our policy, and we are at present examining the techniques they propose.