§ 18. Mr. Burdenasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what studies are now being made of the noise problem at airports in relation to the operation of future passenger jet aircraft.
§ Mr. WatkinsonAircraft noise problems are under continual research by the Government and by aircraft and engine 176 manufacturers. But it is well to repeat that we are today near the upper limits of noise levels. Manufacturers and operators must continue efforts to quieten the new jets. I would also draw attention to the very serious noise problems that might arise from the concept of supersonic passenger aircraft.
§ Mr. BurdenAre any aircraft of foreign countries likely in the near future to be debarred because they exceed the noise limit?
§ Mr. WatkinsonWe have imposed a quite severe restriction on both American and Russian aircraft on noise grounds. Fortunately, up to the moment it has not been necessary to impose such severe restrictions on the Comet IV aircraft because of its very steep rate of climb, but we must maintain a tolerable rate of noise for those people who live around airports, and I regard that just as much as one of my duties as that of facilitating the entrance of aircraft to airports and their departure from airports.