HC Deb 29 July 1963 vol 682 c13
20. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Aviation if, in view of the Wilson Report, he will grant a subsidy for the sound-proofing of bedrooms in houses which were in existence near the site of London Airport before the airport was established.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation (Mr. Neil Marten)

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary for Science on 3rd July. The Government do not consider that the situation at London (Heathrow) Airport justifies the making of grants from public funds for the sound-proofing of private houses.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Since the Wilson Report has said that the number of jet aircraft movements will go on increasing every year up to 1970 and that people hear these noises worse at night than in the daytime, is there not a case for soundproofing bedrooms around the airport? Does not my hon. Friend consider that we might make a start with those houses which existed before the airport was plonked down near the homes in question?

Mr. Marten

That was mentioned in the Wilson Report, but the Government were unable to accept the view that a scheme of this nature would not create a precedent. It would inevitably be followed by demands for concessions at other airports and for compensation for other forms of nuisance resulting from other public activities.

Mr. Hunter

Will the hon. Gentleman arrange for the Wilson Report to be debated early in the next Session of Parliament?

Mr. Marten

That is not a matter for me. It is for the Leader of the House and the usual channels.