§ 4. Mr. de Freitasasked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in the study of the means by which the noise of motor vehicles can be reduced; and what method is being used by his Department to measure the sound of motor vehicles.
§ Mr. MarplesThe motor manufacturers are continually studying ways of reducing vehicle noise and have had considerable success. My Department, with the full co-operation of the Motor Industry Research Association, the manufacturers and the National Physical Laboratory have been engaged on tests on the lines of the draft International Standards Organisation proposals for methods of measuring vehicle noise, using a meter showing the sound level in decibels. Further tests have been 2335 arranged for motor vehicles in November, and it is hoped to arrange for similar tests for motor cycles early in December.
§ Mr. de FreitasWhat progress has been made? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I asked a similar Question a couple of years ago? What I am interested in is the progress which has been made, especially the progress in distinguishing between two different types of noise, such as the roar of a bus and the sound of a motor-cycle.
§ Mr. MarplesThis is primarily a technical problem, and it is not an easy technical problem. Until the British Standards Institution has produced a specification for the measurement of vehicle noise, it will be very difficult administratively to follow it up, but we are trying to establish maximum sound levels and standard methods of measurement.
§ 5. Mr. de Freitasasked the Minister of Transport whether he will inquire into the practicability of taxing motor vehicles in such a way as to take account of the noise they cause.
§ Mr. MarplesI am afraid that this is not a practicable proposition.
§ Mr. de FreitasWhy not? Is the Minister aware that he has had several years' notice of the interest of hon. Members and myself in this point? It is desirable that there should be some method by which financial advantage can be given to those who spend a great deal of money and exercise much ingenuity in making their vehicles more silent than others.
§ Mr. MarplesIt is not possible, because technically it is not possible to measure noise in this way.
§ 6. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the continuing nuisance caused by unsilenced motorcycles passing through residential districts in Leicester and other towns in the early morning; and if, following the noise tests on such vehicles, he will now introduce regulations similar to those now in force on the Continent defining a standard of silence with which motorcycles must comply.
§ Mr. HayIt is already illegal to use a motor-cycle without an efficient silencer, 2336 but the present law is not easy to enforce. A standard method of measuring noise is being worked out; adequate noise meters are being developed; and we hope, when this work is completed, to be able to lay down maximum noise levels for all motor vehicles.
§ Mr. JannerHas the Joint Parliamentary Secretary studied the regulations at present prevailing on the Continent? Apparently they have methods of measuring standards of noise. Will he inquire into how they proceed in these matters and whether their regulations are efficient, as I believe they are?
§ Mr. HayYes, I will certainly study these regulations, if they are available. At the moment, the International Standards Organisation is trying to draw up a uniform test method, to which we would try to adhere. Therefore, I hope that we shall be able to make some progress.
§ Sir T. MooreWill my hon. Friend at the same time introduce a method of curtailing the reckless speed of these dangerous machines?
§ Mr. de FreitasIn view of the unsatisfactory answers to these Questions, I beg to give notice that I shall try to raise the matter on the Adjournment.