§ 44. Mr. Hunterasked the Minister of Supply what progress has been made by his Department by research with aircraft and engine manufacturers into the general problem of aircraft noise, with a view to reducing engine and propeller noise at its source; and if he will make a statement.
§ 45. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Minister of Supply what progress has been made by his Department by research with aircraft manufacturers, with a view to reducing engine and propeller noise at its source.
§ Mr. W. J. TaylorPropeller noise is generally not as loud or as disturbing as jet noise, but is more difficult to reduce. We are, therefore, directing our efforts mainly to the field of jet noise, where useful contributions to a solution seem more probable.
697 The Ministry of Supply assists fundamental research into jet noise at the College of Aeronautics and some of our universities, and has contracts with leading aircraft companies to devise methods of noise suppression. The most successful method so far developed is the corrugated jet nozzle produced by Rolls Royce Limited under contract with the Ministry of Supply. These nozzles have been fitted to the Comet IV.
§ Mr. HunterIn view of the great worry caused by aircraft noise to residents living around airfields, will the Minister endeavour to increase research into this problem so that aircraft noise may be stopped at its source?
§ Mr. TaylorI am aware of the public concern about this matter, but it is an engineering problem of great complexity and it may be that the ultimate answer lies in new designs of engines, but I will do all I can to expedite this work.
§ Mr. BeswickCan the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that money is not a limiting factor in this matter?
§ Mr. TaylorI can give that assurance.