§ 20. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Aviation whether he has studied the recommendations of the International Air Transport Association on noise abatement at airports and other contingent matters; and if he will make a statement on their practicability.
§ Mr. RipponYes, Sir. We are grateful for the work which the International Air Transport Association has carried out on this subject, and we agree with many of its recommendations. A number of the proposals are still being studied and trials are being made of procedures after take-off which will help to reduce still further the disturbance over built-up areas
§ Mr. RankinDoes the hon. Gentleman agree with the recommendations that airports should be good neighbours and community assets? Does he also agree with the recommendation which states that his Department should provide all-weather ground facilities so that pilots should be able to use minimum noise 16 flight paths when coming into and leaving airports?
§ Mr. RipponI certainly agree that airports should be community assets, and we are carrying out trials based on the recommendations concerning minimum noise standards. What we cannot accept is suggestions for relaxation of our present standards of noise.
§ Mr. RankinDoes the hon. Gentleman further agree that noise-critical areas ought not to be developed as housing areas?
§ Mr. RipponWe certainly keep in touch with the planning authorities on that sort of matter.
§ Mr. StracheyDoes the Parliamentary Secretary agree that he should pay great attention to the second point raised by my hon. Friend concerning the noise of aircraft coming in, which is often neglected, as compared with the noise of aircraft taking off? It is aircraft coming in which make the noise spread over wide areas of cities of great importance.
§ Mr. RipponI quite agree.