HC Deb 24 July 1963 vol 681 cc1458-60
32. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of Transport when he will implement the recommendation of the Wilson Committee on the Problem of Noise that the use of motor horns, except when necessary to avoid danger, should be forbidden at all times in built-up areas; and what action is to be taken on the Committee's other recommendations for the reduction of noise from motor vehicles.

40. Mr. Prentice

asked the Minister of Transport what action he is taking to implement the proposals of the Wilson Committee relating to the reduction of noise from motor vehicles.

Mr. Marples

As regards banning the use of horns, it has not yet been possible to obtain the views of the Departmental Road Safety Committee to which I am referring this matter.

Draft regulations giving effect to the other recommendations of the Wilson Committee for the reduction of noise from motor vehicles were circulated to interested organisations for comment on 17th June last.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Has my right hon. Friend studied overseas experience in the banning of hooters? In view of the large number of smaller and noisier cars on the roads and coming on to the roads, is my right hon. Friend in full touch with the motor manufacturers on this problem?

Mr. Marples

Yes. I have asked the Departmental Road Safety Committee to consider what has been done abroad in connection with the use of horns.

Mr. Lipton

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how many committees are now in existence, the reports of which he is awaiting before he decides what to do about anything?

Mr. Speaker

Order. I think that that is a little wide of the question of noise in connection with motor vehicles.

Mr. Robert Cooke

Will my right hon. Friend not lose sight of this desperate problem of noise reduction and will he consult the Leader of the House, who told me the other day that we might have a debate on it at some time in the future? Will he think about legislation in the next Session?

Mr. Marples

The question of a debate on the subject is for my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House. I have already sent advance warning notice to the motor manufacturers that we expect the noise which is at present created by vehicles to be very much reduced in the future.

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